Struktur dan Profil Vegetasi Jenis Pohon Buah Pakan Orangutan Sumatera (Pongo abelii) di Stasiun Penelitian Sikundur

Abstract

The Sikundur Research Station, part of the Gunung Leuser National Park, is a crucial habitat for the conservation of the Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii). As a secondary forest area formerly under a logging concession (HPH), its vegetation structure is a determining factor for food availability and the survival of orangutans. The availability of fruit-feed trees strongly influences the activity patterns and carrying capacity of the habitat for this frugivorous primate species. This study aimed to analyze the vertical and horizontal structure of the forest stand, identify the species composition of fruit-feed trees, and determine orangutan habitat preferences based on vegetation conditions across four research blocks (A, B, C, and D). The research was conducted using a purposive sampling method within vegetation observation plots. The results revealed variations in structure among the blocks, with Block A and D exhibiting the most complete structure, including the presence of Stratum A (>30 m), whereas Block C lacked Stratum A entirely. A total of 54 feed tree species were identified at the pole and tree levels across all blocks. The analysis indicates that Block A and D are the most ideal habitats due to their complete stratification, high species diversity, and richness of feed trees. However, Block C, despite its incomplete structure, shows potential as an important feeding area due to the abundance and diversity of feed tree species in the understory, influenced by higher light exposure.