Research in Meru Betiri National Park revealed that the daily activities of Charadrius javanicus were dominated by self-grooming behavior.
Research conducted in 2022 at Sukamade Beach, Meru Betiri National Park revealed the daily activity patterns of the Javan Plover (Charadrius javanicus) within its natural time cycle. As one of the inhabitants of wetland ecosystems, this species plays an important role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems.
Using the scan sampling method conducted during three observation periods—morning, afternoon, and evening—the study recorded various repetitive behaviors performed by the birds as part of their circadian rhythm. The results showed that preening behavior was the most dominant activity, accounting for 37% of all observed behaviors.
In addition, the Javan Plover also exhibited several other behaviors, including:
- Lowering the head (29%)
- Chasing prey (12%)
- Body shaking (6%)
- Pecking for food (4%)
- Sunbathing and resting (3% each)
Other behaviors such as bathing, stretching, and responding to threats were also observed, although at lower frequencies.
💡 Interesting Insight: The dominance of preening behavior indicates that feather maintenance is a crucial activity for this bird species. Besides maintaining cleanliness, preening helps preserve feather condition for optimal flight performance and protects the body from temperature changes in coastal environments.
On the other hand, the high frequency of feeding activities and environmental responses suggests that the Sukamade area still provides sufficient food resources and suitable habitat conditions.
These findings illustrate that the Sukamade coastal ecosystem is still capable of supporting the natural behaviors of the Javan Plover. Therefore, maintaining the stability of coastal habitats remains a key factor in ensuring the long-term survival of this species in the wild.