The diversity of tree species as feed sources of Sumatran orangutan in Bukit Lawang of Gunung Leuser National Park

Abstract

Sumatran orangutan (SOU) or Pongo abelii lives semi-solitary and arboreal as well as frugivorous which the main feeding sources are fruits. Bukit Lawang Forests (BLF) as part of Gunung Leuser National Park is a habitat of SOU as well as popular ecotourism destination in Northern Sumatra. This study aimed to assess the diversity of tree species as feed sources of SOU and to identify the part of the SOU feed trees that eaten by SOU. Vegetation analysis with combination of line and quadrat method was used. There were 181 tree species within plot samples that 81.8% of them or 148 species were recorded as feed sources of SOU. Fruits were recorded as main part of tree species (65%) that eaten by SOU. The most fruit consumed by SOU was from the family of Moraceae and Clusiaceae. This result showed that the BLF has rich tree species as SOU feed sources and the feed sources trees of SOU should be priority in restoration activities both in degraded and corridor areas.