Margareta Rahayuningsih, Firman Heru Kurniawan, Nugroho Edi Kartijono
Ficus plays an essential role in the forest ecosystem and can be used as an indicator of success in the local environment. Its lateral rooting system binds with soil, thereby maintaining soil stability. The fig fruit of Ficus is essential food for frugivores. This study aims to determine the species richness and potential as frugivorous feed, focusing on Gentong Hill, Mount Ungaran. Mount Ungaran is a forest ecosystem with a variety of flora and fauna, including various species of Ficus, and was selected as a research location due to the habitat it provides for animals and plants. This research was conducted between January and May 2018. Data was selectively sampled based on Ficus accessibility and location. Its feed potential was determined using scoring based on fruit dimensions and colour. The research showed 24 species of Ficus in six sub-genera. According to our scoring results, these species were divided into four categories based on their frugivorous feed potential: high potential (4 Ficus species), potential (11), and less potential (9). This finding implies that Gentong Hill plays an important role in providing food for frugivores, and its maintenance is urgently necessary. © 2020 Lesotekhnicheski Universitet (University of Forestry). All rights reserved.
Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Jl. Sekaran Raya, Semarang, 50229, Indonesia
