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Evaluation of Males Orangutan behavior (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii, Tiedmann 1808) in the Center of Rehabilitation and Habitat

Heri Sujoko. Evaluation of Males Orangutan behavior (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii, Tiedmann 1808) in the Center of Rehabilitation and Habitat. Under Direction of Bambang Purwantara, Iman Supriatna and Muhammad Agil The declining rate of the Borneo orangutan population in their natural habitat is at an alarming level. In order to save and protect orangutan in their natural habitat at Central Kalimantan, Mawas Conservation Program in Tuanan of Central Kalimantan has been developed. On the other hand, Re-introduction program of orangutan “Nyaru Menteng” has also been established to save confiscate and rescue orangutan. Maintaining a sustainability of orangutan conservation in Central Kalimantan, therefore conservation program at “Mawas” conservation area and reintroduction program at Nyaru Menteng have to be continuously retained and developed. An effective orangutan conservation required data and information on the population dynamic in the field and behavior of the orangutan in their natural habitat and during rehabilitation program. The aims of the study are: (1) to estimate the number and density of population, and the identification of demography orangutans at the Orangutan Research Station Tuanan (SPOT); (2) identify patterns of social interaction and the male reproductive strategies; (3) determining the level of aggressiveness of the male orangutan is based on the origin of the animals during the rehabilitation process at home; and (4) identify abnormal behavior during the male orangutan rehabilitation process.

Based on the results of the census in the SPOT area of 11.84 km2 for 15 months using direct encounter methods in 55 transects. Orangutans have been counted as much as 49 individuals, consisting of: 12 infants, 2 juvenile, 10 adult females, 15 cheek pad males (flanged male), and 10 un-flanged males; and population density was about 4.13 in the range of 4-5 individuals/km². Based on the frequency and duration of the individual's presence at the scene during orangutan census, there are found three adult males with differ demographic status, namely: a resident male as much as 32%, commuter male is about 44% and as much as 24% of nomad male.

The condition of degraded secondary forests in the SPOT has negative impact on the life of a male orangutan, such as lack of quality food sources; often orangutans are on the ground to look for new food sources; and limited number of large trees that are required to support orangutan stays arboreal. A decrease of habitat has an impact on orangutan activities such as reduced roaming area that lead to increase a chance of individual encounters, although orangutan has a solitary social system. Such environmental conditions, resulting in orangutans living in more severe stress than living in primary forests. Observations show that adult males are not tolerant of other adult males. Every encounter between two adult males ended with fights. Flanged male reproductive strategies are noiseless long (long call) and wait for the arrival of adult females, while males actively seek female un-flanged silence. Flanged was dominant male mating with choosing a suitable partner, while males un-flanged with force and less cooperative. On the one hand, adult females prefer a male accompanying flanged dominant than unflanged male or flanged male subordinate, so to male reproductive success unflanged and flanged subordinate must use the remaining time or opportunity that is obtained from flanged male dominant.

Based on its origins, orangutans confiscated origin or the results of the public submission or captive generally have a low level of aggressiveness (+), so it cannot be released for reintroduction. Orangutans in the wild origin rescued generally have a high level of aggressiveness (+++), thus potentially faster done reintroduction. The high level of aggression is because they were born and raised in a natural habitat, so it has had a life skill. Meanwhile, the origin of the zoo orangutan friendly partly to the presence of observers and some others have a level of aggressiveness moderate (++), so it cannot be done because there is still the potential reintroduction to attack humans. Orangutans are in the process of rehabilitation showed abnormal behavior, although the type and frequency varies among individuals. There are nine types of behavior stereotypes (include: the behavior of applause, begging, spitting, licking fingers/arms, drinking his own urine, peek, pacing, dance and holding his own head); and four types of abnormal sexual behavior (including: masturbation, homosexuality, and the stimulation of the genitals). Abnormal behavior more dominant performed by orangutans originating from captive and zoo. Abnormal behavior will appear on orangutans reared in the Rehabilitation Center of more than 5 years.

In conclusion, (1) the number of orangutans in the area SPOT are as many as 49 individuals with 4.13 density or in the range of 4-5 individuals / km², consist of resident male (32%), commuters male (44%), and nomad male (24%); (2) degraded environment at SPOT region resulted in orangutans living in stress. The frequency of interaction is increased as a result of overlapping home range occurred. For the reproductive success, un-flanged and flanged male subordinate must use the remaining time or opportunity that is derived from the dominant male flanged; (3) based on its origin rescue orangutans origin have the highest level of aggressiveness; (4) orangutans who are in the process of rehabilitation showed abnormal behavior, it is known there are nine types of stereotypes and four types of abnormal sexual behavior.

Suggestions, conservation programs in the region SPOT Tuanan need to improve habitat and the environmental condition; provide orangutan with socially placement in a rehabilitation center with a wider space; and the provision of environmental enrichment in the cage is the most effective way to prevent the occurrence or increase of abnormal behavior; rehabilitation process is not longer than 5 years to avoid the occurrence of abnormal behavior.

Keywords: Population size, behavior, orangutan, rehabilitation, reintroduction


Labels: Journal, Konservasi, Orang Utan

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