Gunung Leuser National Park Research Articles

Diversity and abundance of mammals and aves in the Gunung Leuser National Park area, Bukit Lawang, Bahorok District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra

Gunung Leuser National Park, located in Bukit Lawang, Langkat Regency, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting a significant number of bird and mammal species. This study aimed to assess the diversity and abundance of mammals and birds in the park. Conducted from May 23 to 25, 2024, using Visual Encounter Surveys (VES) along a 1,000-meter transect, the research identified 8 mammal species with a total of 84 individuals, including Presbytis thomasi and Macaca fascicularis as the most prevalent. Additionally, 12 bird species with 87 individuals were recorded, dominated by the Hirundinidae family, notably Hirundo rustica and Hirundo tahitica. Diversity indices indicated moderate species diversity for both mammals (H' = 1.58) and birds (H' = 2.02), with high evenness (E = 0.78) in both groups, suggesting stable communities. The results highlight the park's significant biodiversity and the need for repeated surveys to refine data accuracy and enhance conservation efforts.

Parental Care Behavior Of Sumatran Elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) During Nocturnal Activities In Gunung Leuser National Park, Tangkahan Resort, Langkat, North Sumatra, Indonesia

The Sumatran elephant, active both day and night, is more active two hours before sunset and after dawn. In a matriarchal system, a dominant female leads the herd, with mothers and allomothers (non-nursing females) caring for the calves. This study, conducted at Gunung Leuser National Park, Tangkahan Resort, used CCTV to observe behavior like grooming, feeding, playing, and resting for 12 hours each night. Over 84 hours of observation, 5639 data points were recorded for adults and 5117 for calves, totaling 5040 minutes. Key nighttime activities included grooming (adults: 36.5%, calves: 22.07%), feeding (adults: 33.71%, calves: 24.5%), and playing (calves: 11.8%, adults: 5.24%). The study showed strong mother-calf bonds, with mothers actively protecting and teaching their young. These findings emphasize the mother’s role in the calf's development during nighttime.

DIVERSITY OF BATS IN HALABAN MONITORING POST AREA, SEI BETUNG, GUNUNG LEUSER NATIONAL PARK

Halaban Monitoring Post, Sei Betung Resort, Gunung Leuser National Park is a rehabilitated forest restoration location since 2017 after previously being diversified from oil palm land. The location has currently become a habitat for various types of animals, including bats. The identification of bat species at the Halaban Monitoring Post is conducted to assess the presence of fauna, with important ecological roles in pollination. Identification was conducted using mist nets installed at five observation points. Our observations showed that 87 individuals of Microchiroptera family bats were found, belonging to 4 species: Cynopterus brachyotis (38 individuals), Cynopterus minutus (15 individuals), Glischropus tylopus (1 individual), Hipposideros cervinus (33 individuals). Further analysis showed Shannon-Wiener diversity index ranges from 0.0 to 0.94 and Margalef species richness index ranges from 0.0 to 0.69. Bat abundance tends to be evenly distributed with an evenness index of 0.0 to 1.35. There is a dominant species at one of the locations with a dominance index value of 0.85.

Community-based Sustainable Ecotourism at Tangkahan Tourism Destination, Langkat Regency

Ecotourism is a sustainable tourism method that uses local ecosystems and community culture to preserve nature and generate benefits. Tangkahan, an ecotourism area in Indonesia, has a history of forest exploitation and illegal logging. The local community is working to make it a sustainable conservation area. This research will explain Community-Based Sustainable Ecotourism in Tangkahan Tourism Destination, Langkat Regency. This descriptive research uses a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews, FGDs, observations, and focus group discussions, and uses data analysis techniques as suggested. The results showed that the management of Tangkahan Ecotourism involved cooperating parties such as the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Centre, Gunung Leuser National Park Centre, Forest Management FMU, Conservation Response Unit, PT Perkebunan Nusantara II, Tourism Office, and two Tangkahan Tourism Area Villages namely Namo Sialang Village and Serdang Village. The Tangkahan Tourism Board manages the area, including marketing, guide services, and rescue efforts. However, land licensing issues, trust, and access difficulties hinder development. The development model should be open and community-based, integrating ecotourism development with other community activities. Critical programs include regulatory regulations, tourist facilities, infrastructure, human resources, cooperation, and collaboration with relevant parties.

Analysis of land cover changes on the Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) habitat due to forest fires in Gunung Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) is home to Indonesia’s native species, the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii). The GLNP in some of its areas has experienced forest degradation, one of which is by land clearing activities by burning. The purpose of this study is to analyze land cover changes due to forest fires in the habitat of Sumatran orangutans in GLNP, Langkat Regency, North Sumatera Province. This study used temporal and spatial analysis of fire hotspot data with land cover. Temporal analysis of land cover changes was conducted between before and after forest and land fires in the study area. There are at least 6,783 ha of forest fires, of which 1,541 ha were habitat distribution areas for Sumatran orangutans. From 2000-2019, 158 hotspots were detected, of which 36 hotspots were in the distribution area of Sumatran orangutan habitat. Land cover in the study area has mostly changed from primary dryland forest to plantations. The primary dryland forest that remained in the study area only 483.51 Ha in 2019 after converting since 2000. Communities around GLNP need to be assisted in the process of ecosystem restoration through a conservation partnership pattern to restore the function of the area, one of which is as a habitat for Sumatran orangutans.

Unlocking Nature's Bounty: Exploring the Ecotourism Potential of Batu Jongjong in Bahorok District, Langkat District

The research on community-based ecotourism in Batu Jongjong Village, Langkat Regency, explores its potential, inspired by rich natural and cultural resources. Located in Gunung Leuser National Park, the village benefits from biodiversity. Aimed at enhancing local welfare through sustainable ecotourism, the study stresses community participation and collaboration among stakeholders. Sustainability concepts, including resource protection, are crucial for long-term contributions. The unique aspect lies in empowering locals and ensuring shared responsibility for resource preservation. Batu Jong Jong Village, despite its potential, requires improvements in accessibility, management, and services for competitiveness. Challenges necessitate collaborative efforts, while opportunities lie in sustainable development, emphasizing economic, social, and environmental benefits. Designated as a tourist village, Batu Jong Jong holds promise for eco-tourism, utilizing its natural resources. Despite obstacles, the village's fertile soil and community involvement present a foundation for sustainable tourism, contributing to its long-term success.

Identification of food type and feeding behavior of sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) at the Ketambe Research Station in Gunung Leuser National Park

As an endangered animal, sumatran orangutans ( Pongo abelii ) in Indonesia are declining rapidly. The extinction of food sources that formerly supported their diets is one of the factors that has contributed to this predicament. This paper aims to discover sumatran orangutans’ food types and feeding behaviors at the Ketambe Research Station, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Two orangutans, Chris and Kelly, were the subjects of this study, and their behavior and environment were observed and recorded using the focal animal sampling approach. The study uncovered 29 distinct forms of food (27 plant species and 2 insect species). The type of fruit most consumed by sumatran orangutans ( Pongo abelii ) at the Ketambe Research Station is Ficus racemosa, followed by Ficus obscura, Pandanus sp., and Ficus variegata. The type of leaf most consumed by sumatran orangutans ( Pongo abelii ) is Loides cirrosa, followed by Acacia pennata and Sindapsus hederaceus. Then, their eating behavior patterns cover choosing, holding, taking, and eating the food. The orangutans like eating their meal high up in a tree. As they lead semi-solitary, arboreal lifestyles, preserving the forest ecosystems in which they thrive is crucial.

Community perceptions of the Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) in Besitang District, Langkat Regency: Case study of Bukit Mas Village

Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) currently face various threats, such as deteriorating habitat quality and quantity due to forest conversion, exploitation, forest encroachment, and increased poaching. Bukit Mas Village, Besitang District, Langkat Regency is one of the villages that are quite close to the Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) area. This study aims to analyze community perceptions of human and Sumatran tiger conflicts (HTC). This study used a descriptive quantitative method. The respondents were taken using a non-probability sampling technique. Criteria were designed with purposive sampling type. The results of the study explain that the existence of conflict can affect people's perceptions of the existence of Sumatran tigers. The community considers tigers to be not beneficial to people's lives because tigers disturb public order. Age and latest education do not correlate (relationship) with community perceptions. Due to the Asymp. Sig values of 0.772 and 0.625. This value is greater than the significance level of 0.05

Distribution and association pattern of Keruing (Dipterocarpus sp.) in Tangkahan, Gunung Leuser National Park

Keruing (Dipterocarpus sp.) is a commercially important timber and oil-producing species. Keruing’s wood is of high quality, and its oil is widely used for medicinal purposes. Because of the high price and demand for wood and oil, keruing has become a target for exploitation and causing the population to decrease. Understanding of the keruing population in natural habitats is important for conservation efforts, one of which is in the Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) area. The purpose of this study was to analyze the distribution patterns and associations of keruing in the Tangkahan area of GLNP. These are accomplished through the use of a vegetation analysis method with purposefully defined paths based on the presence of keruing. The Ochiai index (Oi), Dice index (Di), and Jackard index (Ji) were calculated for data analysis, while the Morisita index was used to determine the shape of the distribution pattern. The research reveals three keruing species, namely Dipterocarpus haseltii, Dipterocarpus constulatus, and Dipterocarpus elongataus Korth. The keruing distribution showed different patterns at different growth stages. At the seedling and tree stage, the distribution pattern was clustered, while at the sapling and pole stage were uniform. The three keruing species has weak associations with various surrounding species. The species that has the highest association value is Syzygium fastigiatum, which is 0.22.

Tinjauan Atraksi Ekowisata Di Kawasan Ecovillage Tangkahan, Kabupaten Langkat, Provinsi Sumatera Utara

Through an approach that focuses on environmental conservation, education, and community involvement, ecotourism opens new avenues to create a balanced relationship between humans and nature. Tangkahan Ecovillage is located in the Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) area, Langkat Regency which has started ecotourism activities since 2004. In 19 years of its journey, it is interesting to discuss the description of ecotourism attractions in this region. This research was developed through a qualitative descriptive method. The process of collecting data through interviews, observations and document studies. The results of the research are presented in the form of narratives that describe the situation at the research site, direct quotes from participants, and supported by images or illustrations to clarify the findings.This research results in ecotourism has played an important role in becoming a bulwark of defense from increasingly massive forest destruction activities. Tourist attractions in the form of elephant conservation, river and forest area exploration, camping ground, and natural attractions at the location have proven to be in demand by local and foreign tourists. Local communities who are members of the Community Tour Operator (CTO) manage tourism services well with the principle of profit sharing. Furthermore, the tourist community utilizes this activity as an economic source and as a medium of education for the wider community on the importance of preserving nature so that Tangkahan ecotourism can be enjoyed by everyone in the long term..

Living on the edge: forest edge effects on microclimate and terrestrial mammal activity in disturbed lowland forest in Sumatra, Indonesia

AbstractSpecies–environment relationships are often studied at large spatial scales, but effective conservation requires an understanding of local-scale environmental drivers and pressures. Widespread degradation and fragmentation of forests have increased the proportion of tropical mammal habitat that is affected by edge effects. Edge effects include greater exposure to anthropogenic disturbance and abiotic changes that synergistically influence how well populations can cope with climate change. We investigated relationships between distance to the forest edge, forest structure, microclimate and terrestrial mammal detections in a selectively logged forest at the boundary of Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia. We collected mammal detection data from motion-activated camera traps, microclimate data from automated climate data loggers and forest structure data from vegetation plots. Daily mean and maximum temperatures significantly decreased with distance from the forest edge, whereas tree height and minimum temperature increased. Mammal diversity was lower at the forest edge compared to the interior. Mammals were detected less frequently at the forest edge, although this relationship varied between mammal orders. Mammal detections were best explained by temperature, tree height and tree diameter at breast height. These results demonstrate that abiotic changes in forests brought on by edge effects have negative impacts on mammals, but these effects vary between mammal taxa because of differing sensitivities to human disturbance. Our findings highlight the importance of considering local-scale environmental drivers in determining species–environment relationships to identify key habitat features such as microclimate refuges that should be prioritized in ecosystem management.

KARAKTER DAN KERAGAMAN JENIS POHON SARANG ORANGUTAN SUMATERA (Pongo abelii) DI STASIUN RISET SUAQ BELIMBING TAMAN NASIONAL GUNUNG LEUSER

The Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) is an arboreal primate that spends all its daily activities in the trees. Nest-making activities are carried out daily, selecting trees with certain characteristics to make nests. Much research has been done on the character of orangutan nest trees. However, there needs to be more information about the character of orangutan nest trees at the Suaq Belimbing Research Institute, Gunung Leuser National Park. It is known that Suaq Belimbing is a peat swamp forest ecosystem in Gunung Leuser National Park, precisely in Kluet, South Aceh, with quite diverse vegetation composition. Even so, not all vegetation is used as orangutan nest trees. This study aims to obtain data on the characteristics of orangutan nest trees in the Suaq Belimbing peat swamp forest habitat of Gunung Leuser National Park. Data was collected for three months using the line transect method. The results of the study obtained 65 individual trees used as orangutan nests. 45.15% of the nest tree characters had a height of 11-20 m, and 24.46% had a trunk diameter of 31-40 cm. The most widely used crown shape for making nests was cylindrical.

Identifying Appropriate Surrogate for Gunung Leuser Priority Species by Using their Characters and Distributions: A Review

Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) priority species is a surrogate species representing four wildlife, Panthera tigris sumatrae, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, Elephas maximus sumatrensis, and Pongo abelii living within GLNP. GLNP priority species was appointed based on the extinction status, endemicity, population and habitat conditions, threat, and regional representation of wildlife. “GLNP priority species” terminology was considered from flagship species, keystone species, umbrella species, or charismatic species. This literature review aimed to clarify the appropriateness of GLNP priority species to other surrogates by comparing the characters and distributions of GLNP priority species to the definition of surrogate species. This review identified five surrogate species: key-stone species, indicator species, umbrella species, flagship species, and charismatic species. GLNP priority species are appropriate to be GLNP flagship species based on two considerations: (1) the characters of all GLNP priority species which are endemic wildlife of Sumatera and are critically endangered based on the International Union for Conservation of Natures’ status and (2) the condition of the priority species distributions which periodically decreased (elephant and rhino) and are threatened (tiger and orangutan). Besides, tiger and orangutan also can be determined as umbrella species considering their distribution spreads which are extensively covering the GLNP area.

ASSESSING THE SPATIAL ASPECTS OF ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN BUKIT LAWANG AREA

Bukit Lawang is part of the conservation area of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) and is a popular tourist destination in Langkat Regency. The attraction of Bukit Lawang has resulted in the concept of ecotourism, with the hope that tourist activities will have a friendly impact on the natural ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of ecotourism activities within the scope of the 3A-based tourism concept and the spatial aspects of Google Earth imagery using time series techniques from 2012-2022. It is evident that from the 3A perspective, there has been a change in the needs of tourists for new tour packages that still prioritize nature tourism, the addition of alternative road sections as a form of accessibility development to Bukit Lawang, and the addition of accommodations to meet tourists' needs. From satellite imagery, there is an expansion of settlement areas, lodgings, parking areas, and a bridge access to a new lodging area within the range of 2012-2022.

Role of the Orangutan Information Centre in Orangutan Conservation in Gunung Leuser National Park Through the Collaborative Management Plan-Small Grants Program

The habitat of the Sumatran orangutan in the Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) area is under threat, due to illegal logging activities, construction of facilities and infrastructure, and encroachment on boundaries. In an effort to overcome this problem, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in collaboration with the Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (Kfw) created the Small Grants Program (SGP). SGP aims to support the efforts of the ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) in protecting biodiversity, one of which is the orangutan. TNGL as AHP has been selected to run SGP in Indonesia and the Orangutan Information Centre (OIC) has been selected as a partner to run the SGP cycle one and cycle two at TNGL. OIC as a non-governmental organization (NGO) is taking part in orangutan conservation efforts in Gunung Leuser National Park through the Small Grants Program of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. The research method used is qualitative using descriptive analysis research types and utilizing interview data with the Orangutan Information Center and observations of the Gunung Leuser National Park. The concept of the role of non-governmental organizations according to Lewis and Kanji is used to answer the research problem formulation. In the SGP ACB project, OIC plays the role of implementer by carrying out activities, namely restoring the Induk Barak area, compiling technical guidelines for orangutan protection and mitigation strategies on the Karo Langkat road, conducting surveys of orangutan population density on the Karo Langkat road and Halaban restoration. As a catalyst OIC carried out activities namely facilitating restoration training for the Barak Induk community group, advocating for the government for the protection and mitigation of orangutans on the Karo Langkat road, conducting permaculture activities in (Halaban village, Telagah village and Bukit Mas village). As a partnership, OIC carries out activities, namely working with the Barak Induk community to restore the Barak Induk area, working with the government to conduct a population density survey of orangutans on the Karo Langkat and Halaban roads.

Symptomatology of termite Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren (Rhinotermitidae) after fungi infection of Aspergillus flavus

The symptomatology of the termite Coptotermes curvignathus, a pest in cocoa plantations in Sumatra, after being infected with the entomopathogenic fungus (Aspergillus flavus) is studied. The fungus isolates were collected from primary forest at the Gunung Leuser National Park. The fungal mycelium begins to appear on the 3rd day after application; on 7th day the whole body surface was covered by fungal colony mycelium and a mummification process of termite body is finished. Aspergillus flavus is an effective entomopathogenic fungus for controlling termite pests in Sumatra.

Economic Loss Value of Human-wildlife Conflict at the Management Section of National Park (MSNP) VI Besitang, Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP)

The intensity of wildlife conflicts with humans has recently tended to increase. The conflict between humans and wildlife is a problem that can cause material losses and loss of life. Conflicts can occur because of the lack of food resources in the forest. Another factor is the high rate of land conversion; forest ecosystems are converted into plantation land. This problem is worrying because numerous wild animals descend into human settlement areas to find food and cause conflict with humans. This study was conducted in March 2021 in nine villages around Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP), Management Section of National Park (MNSP) VI Besitang. The purpose of this study was to calculate how much loss was caused by wildlife-human conflicts in the village around the MNSP VI Besitang, GLNP. This study found that conflicts between humans and wildlife are incredibly detrimental. The method used in this research is an open interview with the community and key respondents with purposive sampling, counting crop damage, livestock eaten, harvest failure, building damage, and fatalities caused by human-wildlife conflict. This study also includes the time lost by the community due to the conflict, which differs from similar studies. The study’s results found a value economic loss in Besitang is Rp. 224,254,550 /year.

Virulensi Cendawan Entomopatogen Aspergillus spp.Sebagai Agen Biokontrol Hama Rayap Coptotermes curvignathus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

The termite Coptotermes curvignathus is an important pest in oil palm plantations and environmentally friendly control measures are needed. The fungus Aspergillus spp. has potential as a biocontrol agent against the termite C. curvignathus. The purpose of this study aimed to obtain Aspergillus spp. which are virulent against C. curvignathus. Aspergillus spp. isolates used in this study were collected from termite nests in the primary forest at Suaq Balimbing Research Station, Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra. This study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD). Two isolates of Aspergillus spp. each 105 conidia/mL were applied to worker caste termites. The results of the virulence assay showed that isolate Aspergillus sp. 1 had the highest causing 82.13% mortality of C.curvignathus and with an LT50 value of 4.18 days.

Status of Bird Conservation at the Ketambe Research Station, Gunung Leuser National Park

The conservation status of birds in the Ketambe Research Station area, Gunung Leuser National Park, needs to be done so that more attention can be paid to the preservation of bird diversity. This study aims to observe the conservation status of various birds in three altitude zones, namely zone 1 (350-550 m asl), zone 2 (550-800 m asl), and zone 3 (800-1050 m asl). Observations were made in May-August 2019 at the Ketambe Research Station, Gunung Leuser National Park, Southeast Aceh. The results of observations as a whole, there were 581 individuals from 97 recorded bird species belonging to 27 families and 10 orders. Twenty-five bird species are listed on the IUCN red list in the categories of critically endangered, vulnerable, endangered and near threatened.

State of human tiger conflict around Gunung Leuser National Park in Langkat Landscape, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Patana P, Alikodra HS, Mawengkang H, Harahap RH. 2023. State of human tiger conflict around Gunung Leuser National Park in Langkat Landscape, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 837-846. The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is one of the key species which is considered an endangered species by the IUCN (2008). There has also been a recent threat to their population due to conflict with humans. Information about landscape characteristics and livelihood related to human-tiger conflict (HTC) is needed for a proper mitigation strategy based on local parameters. Therefore, this study was carried out around Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) using quantitative and qualitative methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze and map the risk of HTC using landscape characteristics. The physical factors, including land cover, slope, elevation, distance from rivers, and settlement, were analyzed. The livelihood aspect related to land use change was described descriptively and became a major analysis. The study area is located in the buffer zone of GLNP in Langkat District. The results showed that the Eigen weight value for the slope, elevation, and land cover factor was greater than the distance to the river and settlement. The spatial analysis also revealed that Langkat Landscape was in the medium risk of HTC by covering 60% area, while 40% was in the interval of high to very high risk. Furthermore, the high dependence on land for agriculture and the activity of livestock has become a trigger for more massive HTC in the last three years. It is a challenge in human-tiger conflict mitigation to involve the resolution of people’s livelihoods surrounding the national park. The livelihood approach could be a future solution that bridges human and tiger aspects, in addition to habitat management and protecting conservation areas.