Relationship between geographical factors and feed carrying capacity with the existence of the endemic butterfly Ornithoptera croesus on Bacan Island

Ornithoptera croesus is an endemic butterfly and is included in Wallace’s Golden Birdwing list. Ornithoptera spp. can be found in Halmahera islands, Bacan islands, Mandioli islands, Kasiruta islands, Morotai islands and Obi islands. This study aims to determine the contribution of environmental factors and feed carrying capacity that correlate to the existence and specific characteristics of Ornithoptera croesus. Descriptive exploratory research method with roaming method in several habitats of the butterfly Ornithoptera croesus on Bacan Island. Data were analyzed using Principle Component Analysis (PCA) technique. The results of this study indicate that geographical factors that influence the existence and characteristics of Ornithoptera croesus are: altitude, temperature, humidity and rainfall. Altitude and temperature have an influence on the type and availability of feed Ornithoptera croesus. Furthermore, the type of feed contributed to the morphological characteristics and the existence of the butterfly Ornithoptera croesus on Bacan Island.