Orangutan Reintroduction Research Articles

Status Keberlanjutan Program Pelepasliaran Orangutan Sumatera (Pongo abelii L.) di Bentang Alam Bukit Tiga Puluh Provinsi Jambi

This research aims to analyze the sustainability status and analyze sensitive attributes (leverage analysis) on the sustainability of the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii L.) reintroduction program in the Bukit Tigapuluh Landscape. The analysis was carried out using the RAPFISH method with four dimensions, namely ecological, economic, social and institutional dimensions which were then validated using the Monte Carlo method, determining the stress value and R2 value. Determining sensitive attributes is done using leverage analysis. The research results show that the sustainability status of the Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii L.) reintroduction program in the Bukit Tigapuluh Landscape in the ecological and economic dimensions is quite sustainable, but in the social and institutional dimensions it is less sustainable. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that of the total of 36 attributes used, 13 sensitive attributes were identified which influenced the sustainability index value of the Sumatran orangutan reintroduction program namely pressure on the area, number and type of nest trees, forest area area, opportunities for competition (intra and between species), level of habitat suitability, contributing to improving the community's economy, average income against UMP, potential tourist attractions, threat of habitat change, conflict management mechanisms, threat of animal hunting, level of community education and information on regulations related to management rules for Sumatran orangutans.

Vertical Space Use and Vegetation Characteristics of Reintroduced Orangutan Activities in the Jantho Nature Reserve

Orangutans are a wild animal species that is threatened with extinction, so the IUCN has designated its conservation status as Critical Endangered and Appendix I in CITES. The Indonesian government has also designated the Sumatran orangutan as a protected animal. Jantho Nature Reserve (JNR) is one of the conservation areas that is used as a place for orangutan reintroduction. This area is also an important habitat for seven other primate animals. On the other hand, reintroduced orangutans are arboreal animals that have become accustomed to the human environment. They do not know the types of trees that source their food, and the predators that endanger them. This will be a threat to the sustainability of reintroduced orangutans in the area. This research is important to carry out because there is still very little information regarding the use of vertical space in the daily movements of reintroduced orangutans, and there is no information about the daily movements of reintroduced orangutans in the JNR area. This research aims to obtain initial data on the daily movement patterns of reintroduced orangutans in utilizing vertical space to obtain food sources. The transect route is a method used to obtain data on the movement of reintroduced orangutans. A total of 5 line transects were used to collect data by following the reintroduced orangutans and recording each canopy height used by the orangutans for activities. The data obtained was made in tabulated form and analyzed descriptively. The research results showed that reintroduced orangutans used vertical space at a height of 1 – 29 m. This height level was different for the four reintroduced orangutans observed. molikha has higher activity at a height of 1 – 10 m. Poni activity is highest at a height of 10 – 19 m. Cut keke and asokha use higher vertical space at a height of 20 -30 m. A total of 34 trees were used as reintroduced orangutans as activity sites, with tree heights of 1 – 30 m and trunk diameters of 1 – 200 cm. Vegetation connectivity is still connected between vegetation.

Characteristics of The Introduced Orangutan Nest at Jantho Orangutan Reintroduction Station, Aceh Besar

Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) learned the process of building nests from their mothers and started building nests around the age of 0.5 years. Orangutan nests have the most intricate arrangement of other primate nests. Orangutans built the nest as a place to rest, play, and protect themselves from predators and insect bites such as mosquitoes. Orangutan nests have different locations tailored to the needs and context of the nest trees. The shape of the nest and the position of the nest usually have differences due to differences in sex, age level, and body weight. The research had conducted at the Jantho Orangutan Reintroduction (JOR) Station, Aceh Besar Regency, Aceh Province. It had carried out from January to August 2021. The research method used is purposive sampling. The selected transects are existing (permanent) with FB, RI, and IS coding, which is part of mammalian transects scattered in the Jantho Pine Forest Nature Reserve. Observations were carried out as many as two repetitions in different months. The results showed several classes and nest positions found at the JOR Station. The nest classes found were 1, 2, and 3, while the others were not found. Nests in position 2 were the most founded at the study site, and position 5 was not found. It indicates no orangutan at the study site liked to play on the ground. This study gets four nest shapes, namely single round, flat oval, tiered, and irregularly widened

Characteristic and Diversity Vegetation of Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park as Dietary Sources for Reintroduced Sumatran Orang Utan (Pongo abelii Lesson)

<p>The population of Sumatran orang utan in natural habitat has been declined and threatened with extinction. The orang utanreintroduction program is expected to increase breeding and population in nature. This study aimed to analyze the important value index of vegetation as well as the diversity and abundance species of Bukit Tiga Puluh National Park (BTNP) as dietary sources for reintroduced Sumatran orang utan. The research was conducted during two years from 2015 to 2016. The data collection for flora characteristics is done through the vegetation analysis with strip transects method. Plots were selected by stratification method based on the resort management and the land cover, like primary and secondary forests. Total flora species on a plot of 2.8<br />ha were identified about 301 species. The highest variation found in Suo-Suo Resort (139 species) and the lowest in Talang Lakat Resort (82 species). The dominant species have been found were Eugenia grandiflora O. Berg, Macaranga lowii King ex Hook.f., Shore iliginosa Foxw., and Tarrietia rubiginosa Kostern. Vegetation chararacteristic to be identified were tree density of 350-552.5 individuals/ha, species diversity index of 2.86-4.19, and abundance index of 32.1087.35. It also identified that vegetation characteristic among resort and land cover were different (p <0.05). Moreover, there were about 110 species of tree plants including of 31 families that found as dietary sources for orang utan and leaves became the highest plant parts which consumed by orang utans (41.8%) compared to other parts. Based on area size, ecosystem types as well as vegetation composition and variation, BTNP may support the increasing population of orang utans. However, there needs to be considered that other<br />aspects such as high human activity within the conservation area, particularly by Talang Mamak tribe communities, may cause unsuccessful achievement on reintroduction program of orang utan.</p>

Implanted Radio Telemetry in Orangutan Reintroduction and Post-release Monitoring and its Application in Other Ape Species.

Designed as a new method to facilitate the reintroduction and post-release monitoring of orangutans and other apes, implanted radio-telemetry (IRT) was developed and first deployed in 2009. Since that time, it has been necessary to collate and review information on its uptake and general efficacy to inform its ongoing development and that of other emerging tracking technologies. We present here technical specifications and the surgical procedure used to implant miniaturized radio transmitters, as well as a formal testing procedure for measuring detectable transmission distances of implanted devices. Feedback from IRT practitioners (veterinarians and field managers) was gathered through questionnaires and is also presented. To date, IRT has been used in at least 250 individual animals (mainly orangutans) from four species of ape in both Asia and Africa. Median surgical and wound healing times were 30 min and 15 days, respectively, with implants needing to be removed on at least 36 separate occasions. Confirmed failures within the first year of operation were 18.1%, while longer distances were reported from positions of higher elevation relative to the focal animal. IRT has been a transformational technology in facilitating the relocation of apes after their release, resulting in much larger amounts of post-release data collection than ever before. It is crucial however, that implant casings are strengthened to prevent the requirement for recapture and removal surgeries, especially for gradually adapting apes. As with all emerging technological solutions, IRT carries with it inherent risk, especially so due to the requirement for subcutaneous implantation. These risks must, however, be balanced with the realities of releasing an animal with no means of relocation, as has historically been, and is still, the case with orangutans and gorillas.

Estimation of Population Density And Food Sort of KELASI (Presbytis Rubicundamuller 1838) in Nyaru Menteng Arboretum of Palangka Raya

Nyaru Menteng Arboretum is one of Conservation area in Palangka Raya for biodiversity protection width 65,2ha and in that area have established an Orang Utan Reintroduction Center from Borneo Orangutan Save Foundation (BOSF). The aims of this research are to estimated the population density of Kelasi in this area and to know many kinds of Kelasi food and the part of trees that Kelasi put to eat. The result of this research that has found one species (young class) in January 2017, then we can find 3 species again in April 2017 there is one male, one female, and one young kelasi. Population density rate of Kelasiof 2017 is 0,06 species/ha that meaning is population density of Kelasi have a degraded experience if comparing with the same population density data on 2007 that found 15 species in the area (in 2 group)with 0,23 species/ha. Food sort of Kelasi is juvenile of : Jambu-jambu (Syzgium cerinum), Saga (Adenathera microsperma), cassava (Manihot utilisima), rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), pineapple (Ananas comosus), Kelakai (Stenochlaena ralustris) dan jackfruit (Artocarpus integra), other fruits and residue of orangutan food in Reintroduction area lie pineapple and papaya.

Monitoring orangutan reintroduction: Results of activity budgets, diets, vertical use and associations during the first year post-release in Kehje Sewen Forest, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Basalamah F, Utami-Atmoko SSU, Perwitasari-Farajallah D, Qayim I, Sihite J, Van Noordwijk M, Willems E, Van Schaik CP. 2018. Monitoring orangutan reintroduction: Results of activity budgets, diets, vertical use and associations during the first year post-release in Kehje Sewen Forest, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 689-700. Pongo pygmaeus morio, a subspecies of orangutan founded east Kalimantan is steadily declining and classified as endangered. A reintroduction program was recently established. We monitored the reintroduced individuals during their first year post-release at Kehje Sewen Forest in East Kalimantan to document the adjustment to their new habitat. Here, we present a report on the activity patterns, food choice, travel height, nest-building abilities and associations of six individuals ranging between eight and thirteen years old. Our results show that all individuals survived their first year. They spent most of their time feeding and had a largely frugivorous diet, similar to wild orangutans. However, although they were able to build nests, they reused or rebuilt old nests more often than expected. They also spent 16% of their total activity time on the ground, more than expected. This information will contribute to attempts to evaluate factors affecting the adjustment process, and thus optimizing future reintroduction procedures.

La réintroduction des orangs-outans : récit, figure et construction de l’animalité

L’article montre que la reconstitution de l’animalité par le travail humain donne corps aux savoirs éthologiques. Il intensifie certains traits au détriment d’autres. Le corps animal endosse ici plusieurs rôles ; c’est par le corps que sont connues les cultures animales. C’est par le langage du corps qu’on entend montrer au public une relation ou une compréhension particulière. Par lui encore s’affirment le contrôle, la domination, la transmission, la norme et la séparation. Par ses représentations, aussi, les similitudes s’affichent ou se nient. Enfin, ce sont les souffrances animales, ces corps brûlés, malingres et enfermés qui suscitent l’intérêt pour leur cause. Le travail sur les corps et leur mise en scène caractérise un degré d’intervention sur des animaux non destinés aux usages de la domestication, et devant au contraire retourner dans la nature. Autant que le « changement global », cette prise en main du sauvage n’est-elle pas caractéristique de l’anthropocène ?

Isolation and Identification of Genus Salmonella and Shigella from Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) Feces in Orangutan Reintroduction Center, Jantho

This study was done to identified bacteria of genus Salmonella and Shigella from sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) feces. Nine semi wild orangutan fecal samples were obtained in Orangutan Reintroduction Center, Cagar Alam Pinus Jantho, Aceh Besar. The samples were processed using Carter methode. The selective media used were Salmonella Shigella Agar (SSA), Eosin Methylen Blue (EMB), and MacConkey Agar. The separated colonies which grawn in SSA media were observed for their morphology, and followed by Gram staining methode then continued with biochemical test such as Indol, Methyl Red (MR), Voges Proskauer (VP), Sulfid Indol Motility (SIM), Simmons Citrate (SC), and sugar test such as glucose, sucrose, lactose, and manitol. From nine samples, one orangutan was infected with Salmonella and another one was infected with Shigella. All of the samples were identified with Escherichia. In Conclusion, orangutan lived at Reintroduction Center, Jantho infected with Salmonella and Shigella bacteria.Key words: feces, orangutan, Salmonella, Shigella

Factors affecting reproduction in rehabilitant female orangutans: young age at first birth and short inter-birth interval

This study investigated the reproductive parameters of free-ranging rehabilitant female orangutans. We aimed to assess the factors that influence these parameters and provide information that could assist with the management of orangutan reintroduction programs. We analyzed the birth records of free-ranging female rehabilitants at Bukit Lawang, Bukit Tigapuluh, Sepilok, Camp Leakey, Kaja Island, Sungai Wain, and Meratus and compared them with reproductive parameters reported in wild and zoo populations. Females' ages at first birth were 10.6-14.7years, significantly earlier than those of wild and zoo orangutans. Computed inter-birth intervals (IBIs) calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method were 65.1-90.1months; the values for Camp Leakey and Bukit Lawang rehabilitants were significantly shorter than those reported for wild Sumatran orangutans. Infant mortality rates were 18-61%; the values for Bukit Lawang and Sepilok were significantly higher than those reported for wild Sumatran and zoo orangutans. In rehabilitants, young ages at first birth and shorter IBIs may result from the high energy intake enabled by provisioning, although the possibility exists that they reflect underestimations of age on arrival at rehabilitation centers. The observed high infant mortality rate may reflect poor mothering skills due to human rearing and/or increased disease transmission. This study demonstrates that accelerated reproductive rates (younger age at first birth and shorter IBI) are common in provisioned rehabilitant females on both Sumatra and Borneo.

Adaptation to Forest Life During the Reintroduction Process of Immature Pongo abelii

Reintroduction of Sumatran orangutans can be an important tool to conserve the species in the face of the current decline of wild populations. Monitoring ex-captive orangutans during the reintroduction process provides insight into their adaptation to forest life and is important for evaluating the success of such programs. We investigated activity patterns, food choice, height use, and nest-building abilities of 8 immature orangutans at a reintroduction station in Sumatra. All focal individuals spent most of their time in the forest feeding, but at a lower proportion than wild conspecifics. Among the focal individuals, the behavior of orangutans that avoided human contact differed in several aspects from those that were human bonded. Their diet was composed mainly of fruits, similar to the food choice of wild orangutans, and their ground-avoidance and superior nest-building abilities indicated more effective predation-avoidance behavior vs. that of human-bonded animals. Finally, these immatures showed regular social contact with more experienced conspecifics, which ultimately may facilitate the social learning of local feral expertise. Human-bonded individuals, in contrast, preferentially stayed on the ground and at low heights and rarely built nests, thereby increasing predation risk. Their choice of leaves over fruits as foods indicated a less effective foraging strategy. Nevertheless, this group exhibited individual learning trends toward an adult-like foraging pattern and height use. We conclude that social interactions with conspecifics and humans, especially during an early developmental period, can affect adaptation to forest life and probably also influence the success of orangutan reintroduction processes.

Discrimination of two species of Orangutans (Pongo sp.): A rapid protocol for rehabilitation centres and zoos

    Currently orangutans exist in increasingly fragmented and isolated populations. While Sumatran orangutan is primarily found in northern Sumatra, the Bornean is distributed in Central, West, and East Kalimantan, Sarawak and Sabah. The determination of intra- and inter-species variation between Bornean and Sumatran orangutans has been stated to be essential for both the management of orangutan reintroduction projects and the planning of conservation strategies to preserve the remaining wild populations. This study aimed to identify two species of Orangutans (Pongo sp.) by means of RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms) analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). An approximately 540 bp single fragment of the ND5 gene near the 5’-region was PCR amplified for all samples tested. Digestion pattern for both AluI and MseI were different between two groups of ND5 fragments in this study. Present result showed a rapid protocol to identify these two species by means of RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) analyses of mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA). This technique can be applied easily to rehabilitation centres and zoos to resolve species discrimination problem. Keywords: Orangutans, Pongo sp., Sumatra, Borneo, discrimination

Intestinal Parasites of Free-ranging, Semicaptive,and Captive Pongo abelii in Sumatra, Indonesia

We collected fecal samples from 32 free-ranging, 19 semicaptive, and 54 captive Sumatran orangutans on Sumatra from 1998 until 2004 and screened them for gastrointestinal parasites. Our objectives were to compare the intestinal parasites of free-ranging, semicaptive, and captive orangutans and to evaluate the risk of parasite transmission in orangutan reintroduction programs. We identified 4 genera of Protozoa, 7 genera of nematodes, 1 trematode sp., and 1 cestode sp. The prevalence of Balantidium coli in free-ranging orangutans was significantly higher than in captive individuals. However, the prevalence of Strongyloides sp. was higher in captive than in free-ranging orangutans. Free-ranging female orangutans had a significantly higher total prevalence of intestinal parasites than that of males. We found no significant difference between parasite prevalences in different age groups. Compared to gorillas and chimpanzees, orangutans carry a smaller variety of protozoan and nematode species. Strongyloides sp. infections form the highest risk in reintroduction programs as crowding, ground-dwelling, and poor hygiene in captive and semicaptive orangutans may cause a constant reinfection.

The nature and evolution of intelligence in orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus)

Orangutans share many intellectual qualities with African great apes and humans, likely because of their recent common ancestry. They may also show unique intellectual adaptations because of their long evolutionary divergence from the African lineage. This paper assesses orangutan intelligence in light of this evolutionary history. Evidence derives from observations of juvenile ex-captive orangutans reintroduced to free forest life by the Wanariset Orangutan Reintroduction Project, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The intellectual qualities shared by great apes and humans point to a distinct “great ape” intelligence with hierarchization as a pivotal cognitive mechanism. Evolutionary reconstructions jibe with this view and suggest that technically difficult foods may have been key selection pressures. Orangutans should then show hierarchical intelligence when obtaining difficult foods. Evidence on ex-captive orangutans' techniques for processing difficult foods concurs. Intellectual qualities distinct to orangutans may owe to arboreal travel pressures; in particular arboreality may aggravate foraging problems. Evidence confirms that ex-captive orangutans' techniques for accessing difficult foods located arboreally are intellectually complex—i.e. they show hierarchization. These findings suggest other factors probably important to understanding great ape and orangutan forms of intelligence and their evolutionary origins.