Insect Diversity as Potential Feed for Horsfield’s Tarsier (Cephalopachus bancanus) in Bangka Island, Indonesia

¹ Department of Natural Resources Conservation, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bangka Belitung, 33134 Pangkalpinang, Indonesia
² Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, 16680 Bogor, Indonesia
³ Primate Research Center, IPB University, 16151 Bogor, Indonesia
⁴ Department of Biology, Universitas Palangkaraya, 73111 Palangkaraya, Indonesia
⁵ Department of Biology, Universitas Indo Global Mandiri, 30129 Palembang, Indonesia
⁶ Department of Biology, Universitas Sriwijaya, 30862 Ogan Ilir, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: randi.syafutra@unmuhbabel.ac.id

Abstract

Horsfield’s tarsier (Cephalopachus bancanus), an obligate carnivore, relies heavily on insect availability for its survival. However, deforestation and land-use changes on Bangka Island, Indonesia, threaten its natural habitat. Jungle rubber, a traditional agroforestry system, has been identified as a potential alternative habitat, yet little is known about its insect diversity and suitability as a foraging ground for tarsiers. This research examines the diversity of insects in jungle rubber habitats and their potential as a food source for Horsfield’s tarsier. Insect sampling was conducted across eight jungle rubber sites using light traps, and species identification was performed for insects larger than 1 cm, a size threshold relevant to tarsier predation. The results reveal a moderate level of insect diversity (Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index, H’ = 2.31–2.62), with 27 species from 19 families and five orders recorded. Lepidoptera (75%) and Orthoptera (21%) were the dominant insect orders, aligning with the primary diet of tarsiers. These findings suggest that jungle rubber provides a stable prey base for Horsfield’s tarsier and may serve as an important conservation landscape amidst ongoing deforestation. Sustainable agroforestry practices should be promoted to maintain biodiversity and ensure the survival of this vulnerable primate in Bangka Island.