ASSESSING THE PRESENCE AND FARMER’S PERCEPTIONS OF SUNDA LEOPARD CATS (Prionailurus javanensis) IN AGRICULTURAL AREA OF BATU TABA, WEST SUMATRA

Sunda leopard cat (Prionailurus javanensis Desmarest, 1816) is one of five small wild cats in Sumatra. Sunda leopard cat is a new species separated from asian leopard cat (Prionialurus bengalensis Kerr, 1792). Sunda leopard is known to inhabit unprotected areas near human-dominated area such as agricultural area. This study aims to determine the presence status and perceptions of farmers towards sunda leopard cat in the agricultural area of Batu Taba Village. This research was conducted from June to July 2023 using a survey method using line transect, camera traps, and interviews. The study found that sunda leopard cats were primarily present in rice fields during generative growth phase, with a track density of 9.63 tracks per kilometer. They were detected at two locations, with five independent photographic records, indicating an abundance of 0.025 photos per trap hour, a frequency of presence 0.333, and a relative frequency of 9.5%. Farmer believed that this species presence during generative growth phase of rice plants. The study found that a significant majority of farmers (82.67%) expressed good understanding of sunda leopard cats presence. There were also strong indications of support for the conservation of this species (81.6%), suggesting a notable commitment among farmers and the surrounding communities to protect sunda leopard cat (98.4%). In conclusion, this research highlights sunda leopard cat's presence in human-dominated agricultural areas with generative growth phase of rice plants and strong community support for its conservation. Further research should explore additional ecological aspects of this species in similar regions. Keywords: Camera trap, perceptions, Prionailurus javanensis, rice field area, track