Analisis Perubahan Tutupan Lahan Habitat Orangutan Sumatera (Pongo abelii) di Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser (Studi Kasus : BPTN Wilayah III Stabat)

Abstract

Leuser National Park (TNGL) is one of the oldest national parks in Indonesia and home to various wildlife, especially the key habitat of Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelli). The national park is divided into different zones according to their objectives and functions. The aim of this study is to analyze land cover changes, zones, and the distribution of Sumatran Orangutan habitat in BPTN Region III Stabat. The research was conducted in the managed area of BPTN Region III Stabat, Langkat Regency. The methodology used was temporal and spatial analysis, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) data processed with ArcMap 10.4 software. The land cover categories obtained include primary dryland forest, secondary dryland forest, shrubs, plantations, open land, water bodies, dryland agriculture, and mixed dryland agriculture. The results of this study showed that the largest land cover area was recorded in 1990, with primary dryland forest covering approximately 192,188.92 hectares, while the smallest land cover area was open land, covering around 3.31 hectares. In terms of management zones, the highest proportion of forest and non-forest classes occurred in the core zone, with an area of approximately 673.26 hectares from 2011 to 2020, followed by a proportion of approximately 460.93 hectares in the rehabilitation zone. The largest distribution of Sumatran Orangutan habitat occurred in 1990, with primary dryland forest covering approximately 160,209.05 hectares. The distribution pattern underwent changes due to the conversion of forest to plantations driven by human needs. This has disrupted the habitat of Sumatran Orangutans and poses a threat to their survival. Collaboration between TNGL and other conservation institutions has been established to cease plantation activities within the habitat area, in support of conservation efforts