Population Status of Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) within the Renewable Energy Development and its Management Implications

Didik Prasetyo,Yokyok Hadiprakarsa,Wanda Kuswanda,Jito Sugardjito

doi:10.24259/fs.v5i2.13529

Didik Prasetyo, Yokyok Hadiprakarsa + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.24259/fs.v5i2.13529

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Abstract

To protect Tapanuli orangutan it is essential to understand the actual situation. It has been studied 15% of its population live outside the protected area facing a density disruption due to forest conversion. Several best management practices have been created and tested for different natural concession types. Yet, the main objective to reduce the impact and increase wildlife survival is far away from the goal. To improve our understanding of the species survival within ongoing project construction, we conducted population density monitoring prior- to post-construction time frames within the hydroelectric dam project. Also, we carried out spatial analysis to understand the land cover change and orangutan’s suitable habitat distribution. This study found that during high construction activities, orangutans were avoiding the threat sources, and returned when the disturbances reduced. These findings indicated orangutans are ecology flexible and have the capability to increase its survival, although the company’s involvement is crucial to facilitate the successes. Our study is based on indirect observation, and spatial modeling, which may lead to an uncertain conclusion. Further research on orangutan ecology and behavior is prioritized.

Highlights

The occurrence of newly described orangutan species, i.e., Pongo tapanuliensis or commonly known as Tapanuli orangutan has engaged the attention of several parties such as the Indonesian government, non-government organizations, and universities or researcher
The coincidental identification of a new species of orangutan, Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis), in 2017 (Nater et al, 2017), within the same watershed as an approved site for a new run-of-river hydroelectric project in Batang Toru area of Northeast Sumatra, has resulted in considerable concern and conflict between specific conservation interests and those pursuing the development of renewable energy
This study summarizes an intensive contemporary spatial analysis of orangutan density and habitat within 1,812 ha area centered on the Batang Toru HEP study area, juxtaposed with information on P. tapanuliensis sub-populations metapopulation

Summary

Introduction

The occurrence of newly described orangutan species, i.e., Pongo tapanuliensis or commonly known as Tapanuli orangutan has engaged the attention of several parties such as the Indonesian government, non-government organizations, and universities or researcher. Nater et al (2017) described Tapanuli orangutan as taxonomically different from other Ponginae members, and this was based on their craniomandibular and dental characters, morphology, and DNA analyses It did not wait long after it was published, The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry and Environmental has announced and stated it as protected species by law number P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018. Until the recent study on a specimen by Nater et al (2017), the orangutan population in the project areas had for years been assumed to be the same species (Pongo abelii) found elsewhere in Sumatra This relatively isolated the population of P. tapanuliensis to be approximately 800 individuals and they resided in several semi-connected forest blocks variously designated as “Protected Forest, Production Forest, Conservation Forest, and Other Use Forest”. While no collection of accurate trend data to date, some analysis suggested that the population is declining

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