Karakteristik Sarang dan Pohon Bersarang Orangutan Sumatera pada Kawasan Hutan Restorasi Cinta Raja III, Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser

Abstract

Cinta Raja III Restoration is an effort to restore forest structure in the Gunung Leuser National Park area as orangutan habitat which was damaged due to forest conversion activities. The Sumatran orangutan is one of Indonesia's endemic animals whose existence is endangered/critical and protected. Orangutan nests are one proof of the existence of orangutans in a habitat. Orangutans have preferences in making their nests. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of nests and nesting trees of Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) in restoration forests and in reference/nature forests in the Cinta Raja III Restoration forest area, Gunung Leuser National Park. This research was conducted using the line transect method of 5 lines in reference/natural forest and restoration forest. The data collected included nest characteristics, nest tree characteristics, and tree species in the restoration forest area. The results of this study indicated that 15 nests were found in reference/natural forest and 1 nest in restoration forest. The nest class found in restoration forest is class E nest (old nest) at the tip of the tree (position 3). The type of tree used is Tapak Gajah (Macaranga gigantea) with a nest tree diameter of 10-20 cm. The highest class of nests was in reference/natural forest, namely class E (53.34%) with the highest number of nests at the tip of the tree or position 3 (60%). The most common tree species used as nesting sites was the Forest Rambutan (Nephelium cuspidatum) with the most common diameter of nest trees found in strata 21-30 cm (62.50%).