Preferensi Tipe Substrat dan Kepadatan Populasi Diadema Setosum (Leske, 1778) di Ekosistem Intertidal Pantai Sijile Taman Nasional Baluran

Abstract

Diadema setosum is an animal that belongs to the Class Echinoidea and the Phylum Echinodermata. Diadema setosum was found in the intertidal zone of Sijile Beach, TNB. Sijile Beach TNB is one of the beaches in TNB that has an intertidal zone with diverse substrates. This substrate diversity is potentially occupied by D. setosum and the availability of this substrate can make the population density stable. The availability of information on substrate type preference and population density of D. setosum in Sijile Beach is needed for the conservation of D. setosum. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the preference of D. setosum for certain substrate types and population density in the intertidal zone of Sijile Beach TNB. Data were collected using the cruising method by exploring the study site from the eastern shore area to the western water boundary. Data analysis included the highest percentage of D. setosum found in a particular substrate type and the density of D. setosum individuals divided by the study area. The results showed that D. setosum was found in 5 different substrate types, namely rubbles, dead coral, rock, and sand. Substrate type preference was found to be highest in rubbles substrate at 52% and lowest in coral massive substrate type at 3%. The density of D. setosum in the intertidal zone of Sijile Beach TNB is low at 0.002 ind/m2.