Analisis Sebaran Tumbuhan Pakan Orangutan Sumatera (Pongo Abelii) di Area Jungle Trekking SKBL (Stasiun Konservasi Bukit Lawang) Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser

Abstract

This study aims to examine the distribution of food plants for Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) in jungle trekking areas to fill the gap in field data which is still limited. This research focuses on the ecology of the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), a unique and endemic species found only on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. This species is critically endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching. This study aims to identify and analyze the distribution of main food plants for Sumatran orangutans and to understand the environmental factors that influence this distribution. The research was conducted in the Bukit Lawang Conservation Station (SKBL) area from March to May 2025. The method used in this study is direct observation with a line transect approach. The data collected includes the species types of food plants, trunk diameter, and surrounding environmental conditions. The results of the study indicate that there are 43 plant species in the jungle trekking area, of which 23 species are food plants and the remaining 20 are non-food plants. The food plants belong to 14 different families. Fruit is the plant organ most consumed by orangutans, followed by flowers, leaves and shoots. The analysis of the Important Value Index (IVI) indicates that the species with the highest IVI is Nephelium lappaceum var. (rambutan ayam), which significantly contributes to providing food sources for orangutans. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity also influence the distribution of food plants. This research will provide vital information for the area’s ecosystem restoration planning and orangutan conservation.