Characteristics and community perception on mitigation of Human-Tapanuli Orangutans conflict around Dolok Sipirok Natural Reserve, South Tapanuli

Abstract

The frequency of human-tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) conflict has been increased with the widespread on degradation and fragmentation at Batangtoru Forest, South Tapanuli Regency. Orangutans often come on community lands to look for food, especially while the durian fruit season. This study aims to obtain information on socio-economic characteristics and public perception index to mitigate on human-tapanuli orangutan conflict around the Dolok Sipirok Nature Reserve, South Tapanuli Regency. Data was collected using a questionnaire distribution, interviews and descriptive observations, starting from October 2019 to January 2020. Respondents were selected by purposively sampling method, i.e. people had met and interacted with orangutans as many as 61 respondents from three villages. Data analyzed using frequency tables, likers scale and spearman rank correlation. The results showed that the community is Muslim majority, productive age, education below senior high school, farmers and income below IDR. 4,000,000. The public perception has declared orangutans as animals that consume community plants. They will drive away the orangutans found in processed land. The perception of conflict mitigation has strongly agreed with the program that must be done including providing compensation for losses, increasing patrol programs, developing local wisdom and building corridors in state forests. The characteristics were a significant (α <0.01) influence on the perception index assessment i.e. the level of education, household member and family income.