Herpetofauna community structure and distribution of Watu Joglo cave area, Gunung Kidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Abstract

Watu Joglo is one of the caves located in the row of the Sewu mountains, Gunung Kidul, Special Regency of Yogyakarta. Watu Joglo has various suitable microhabitats for herpetofauna. So far, the study about herpetofauna’s community structure and distribution has not been carried out in Watu Joglo. This study aimed to study and map the diversity, richness, evenness, and distribution of herpetofauna in Watu Joglo. Herpetofauna’s data sampling was carried out for three days. The study was conducted on 6-8 April 2018. The data of herpetofauna community were analyzed with Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Margalef richness index, and Pielou Evenness Index. The data of herpetofauna distribution were mapped and analyzed with Avenza and ArcGis. Based on the research conducted, we found 11 species of herpetofauna which consisted of five species from Ordo Anura, four species from Subordo Lacertilia, and two species from Subordo Serpentes. Herpetofauna in Watu Joglo was widely distributed around the river. According to diversity analysis, Watu Joglo has moderate diversity index, 1.667. Besides, Watu Joglo has high evenness index which is 0.85 but low richness index which is 2.83.