Conservation Knowledge of the Sumatran Orangutan Research Paper

Introduction

The Sumatran Orangutan is one of the two species of Orangutans in the world. There are two species, the Sumatran orangutans and Bornean Orangutan. The Sumatran Orangutan is rarer than the bornean orangutan. It is also smaller than the bornean orangutan.

The Sumatran Orangutan scientific name is pongo abelii. It lives in the Sumatra Island in Indonesia where it is endemic. The Sumatran orangutan is the largest tree-living mammal. They are sometimes referred to as the red apes or the ‘old man of the Forest’.

The Sumatran Orangutan species is only found in Sumatra (Asia). The habitats include the tropical rainforests and flood forests of the Sumatra. They prefer living in the under branch and trees middle leaves.

They are identified as having a long red or ginger coat. They have longer facial hair, compared to bornean counterparts. For the males, they may not develop cheek pouches and throat sacks, until they reach 20 years of age. However, the cheek pouches and throat sacks may fail to develop even after attain an age of 20 years.

In the wild, Sumatran Orangutan can live up to 45-50 years. The females when fully mature weigh about 45kg and measure 1.3m in height. Males are larger than females. Males may grow to a weight of 120kg and 1.8m in height. They are frugivorous, where fruits are a major component of their diet. In addition they may feed on insects, bark and leaves and small vertebrates.

The social behavior shows that both male and female orangutans are solitary females stay with the young until the young reach adolescence. Orangutans are both diurnal and arboreal.

Female orangutans reach sexual maturity between the ages of 9-12 years. They can conceive at this age when they are on the wild. The gestation period is 244 days. The young then lives with the mother until it reaches adolescence. However, in captivity female orangutan have given birth to young ones at the age of seven years.

In the Suaq Balimbing swamp wild Sumatran orangutans have been observed to use tools (Zimmer et al 1995). They use tree branches to make rods that they use to dig into tree holes for termites, bee nest walls, and to eat fruits (breaking the cover).

Groups of orangutans may gather to feed. Females prefer to mate with mature males. Rape is a common occurrence in the Sumatran orangutan

Discussion

The Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered according to the World Conservation union IUCN Red list in 2002. A survey that was done in the Lake Toba forests, found only two habited areas of the Orangutan. These two areas were the Bukit Lawang (Animal Sanctuary) and Gunung Leuser National Park (Wich et al, 2003) by the year 2002 only 3,500 individuals of the Orangutan on Sumatra. It is estimated that every minute an area equal to six football pitches if Indonesia forests is cleared. This has pushed the Sumatran orangutan almost to extinction.

The causes of Sumatran orangutans decrease in numbers are different each with its aim. The Sumatran orangutans are said to be disappearing at a rate of 1,000 a year, with only 7-9,000 individuals surviving in the world currently. Factors that have endangered the survival of Sumatran orangutan include habitat loss, poaching, pet trade, commercial agriculture, AIDS and Global warming.

The Sumatran orangutans are facing a very extreme high risk of extinction, in the immediate future. One major cause is habitat loss. These solitary apes for their survival need a huge amount of space. Clearing of vegetation in their habitats reduces the amount of space that they require to survive accordingly. One reason for the intensive clearing of the forests is to provide tree logs. Illegal logging promotes deforestation and habitat destruction. Study has shown that 80% of Sumatran orangutan habitat has received timber concessions designation. Habitat destruction is harmful to both the species and the entire ecological community. Modern technology has contributed so much to the process of habitat destruction.

Habitat fragmentation threatens the orangutan survival. This is whereby a large natural habitat is broken up into smaller fragments or islands of habitat. This interferes with the natural movement of the orangutans within the habitat.

In addition food resources may become scarce due to lack of access to food resources cut off by the habitat fragmentation. The behavior of orangutans is solitary and development requires enough space. The lowland forest habitats of the Sumatran Orangutans are disappearing to make way for agriculture and commercial plantations (oil palm). Logging and use of fire are means that are being used to clear orangutan’s habitats. Modern technology is much efficient, since a large are of habitat can be cleared over a very short time. It is estimated than only less than 2% of the orangutans original habitat remains (Gillian 2007).

Agricultural demands promote habitat destruction and fragmentation. The forests where the orangutans live are threatened by the growing world’s demand for palm oil. Palm oil is considered as the world’s best selling vegetable oil plantation. The ‘slash and burn’ method of cleaning the habitat has become a real threat to the orangutan environment. The fires burn up nutrients on the ground. The destroyed forestland is unable to support the plant life. The orangutans’ foods are becoming very scarce and they cannot find food that they were formerly accustomed to.

The orangutans’ random destruction of the habitat decreases the fertility of the habitat. The orangutans become split up in small regions in the forest. This decreases the reproductive rate of the low population of the orangutans. The orangutans are unable to mate due to the splitting up of the surviving population.Fertility in the habitats are necessary to promote the growth and development of plants that act as food to the Orangutans.Food scarcity increases the risk of starving in the Orangutans.

Fruit trees are very important since they provide the largest percentage of food components of the Orangutans.Regeneration of plants during the favorable weather conditions increase the amount of food available for the Orangutans.Abundance of food in the habitats encourage proper home and feeding ranges.

Poaching is another major cause of orangutan drastic decrease in numbers. The pet trade market has been increasing with baby orangutans being the target. Hunters poach the young babies to sell them in the pet trade market. Getting the babies, require a hunter to first kill the mother (to avoid harm of the mother in protecting the baby). The reproductive rate in future is decreased by taking away of potential mates, which are sold in the market with a high number of baby orangutans being captures and mothers being killed, the species over time becomes more and more endangered.

Other reasons for poaching include; the sale of orangutans to zoos, TV sets, circuses and movie sets in the world (Stephen P, 2006).

Diseases may also infect the Sumatran orangutans. A population may loose a good number of individuals to diseases. Global warming due to the human activities cause climatic changes. Climatic changes cause natural disaster; for example, floods, hurricanes, famine and drought. Climatic conditions directly affect the orangutan’s natural habitat. The plant species that act as food resources to the orangutans may become scarce or even go to extinction. The ecological habitat of the orangutans is affected which reduce its population in the wild.

The need to protect the Sumatran orangutan from extinction has raised concern all over the world. The protection of the species and its habitat has been major focus of conservation. Measures that have been directed towards saving this critically endangered primate include; habitat conservation, management of habitat fragments, reforestation, stopping the pet trade and preventing global warming causes.

Various organizations and groups have come forward to address problems that endanger the orangutan survival. In Indonesia Sumatran orangutan conservation programme is working to curb activities that cause habitat loss and killing of the orangutans. This conservation program is a major step in protecting and conserving the remaining orangutan population and its habitats. Various organizations have put together effort and monetary support to the conservation work of the Orangutans.Activities that prevent habitat loss, poaching and the killing of the Orangutans.

Other global organization like the IUCM WWF (world Wildlife Fund) and community-based organizations are working together to conserve the orangutans. These measures will be discussed below.Habitat conservation is one such measure. People all over the world have recognized the need to protect habitats where the orangutans live. One way of protecting habitats has been the Indonesia government measure to ensure proper forest management and land use allocation.

Proper management puts into place guidelines that prevent exploitation of the tropical and lowland forests. Research oriented management is integrated. This ensures that the management of forests where orangutans live can make sound decisions based on research work that is conducted in the habitats. For example, reduction in the population enhances development of measures and activities that will increase the reproductive rate (Nick.T, 2006).

Corrupt practices that are undertaken and threaten survival of Sumatran orangutans are dealt with appropriately. Logging of timber is a major cause of deforestation. The offenders may not be ready to stop logging, where employment is low and the gains very high. Some offenders may therefore get involved in illegal deals to prevent severe measures that may be taken against them. Recognition of corrupt practices between law officers and offenders, expose both groups to severe punishment and fine. This discourages such activities or practices.

Development and implementation of laws and policies to conserve and protect orangutans and its habitats have been put into place. The law demands that anyone caught in habitat exploitation activities be arrested and charged in court. Offenders are heavily penalized or punished to discourage others form getting involved in the similar activities. The orangutan is strictly protected by Indonesian law. Laws such as law No 5/1990, protect the orangutan from being killed. The habitats that define its survival are also protected from any form of exploitation. The laws require consistent application to ensure success of protecting them.

However, no forestry law in Indonesia that prohibits the destruction of orangutan habitat. This is a loophole that has promoted agro business Establishment in orangutan habitats. This is because the interpretation means that a company can establish an agro-business enterprise as long as there is no killing or harming of the orangutan in the process. This may seem to view clear cutting of habitats legal as long as no animal is killed. Regardless to say, destruction of habitats is one way of killing and harming the orangutans.

Sometimes lack of effective law enforcement may accelerate extinction of the orangutan. This happens both inside and outside the protected areas including the national parks. Poachers can be able to escape arrest and punishment where the law force is reluctant to arrest all offenders (Fachruddin.M, 2008).

Rehabilitation centers have been established. These centers offer home to Sumatra orangutan individuals who are captured from illegal captivity and the illegal pet trade. Though these centers were initially established for these reasons, their numbers are increasing over time since they are driven to these centers as their habitats are being destroyed to disappearance.

Conservation areas like parks have been established in order to offer orangutans the required natural habitat and protect them from indiscriminate killings. Law enforcement guides the actions that are taken against those who are caught exploiting these areas.

The Indonesian government and people all over the world have realized that the orangutans are precious creatures that should be well protected both as a cultural icon as well as an endangered species. This has led to the launching of activities and measures to act now. This will ensure that the orangutan is not going to become extinct. Protective measures that were earlier only undertaken in Sumatra and Kalimantan’s national park are being complemented everyday by better methods of tackling conservation problems that may arise.

Diversification of these measures assists in solving the various problems that arise in the course of conservation. Through continuous evaluation and monitoring of conservation measures and activities, sound decisions can be made that are very effective and practical to guarantee the success of the conservation efforts.The management can be able to exchange ideas and knowledge with the shareholders to modify conservation efforts towards the set goals and objectives.

Ways in which the Sumatran orangutans and their habitats can be saved are very crucial. Two major threats, the destruction of the orangutan habitat and killing of orangutans themselves need to be stopped. One way of doing this is through cooperative efforts. The Gunung Leuser and Tanjung Putting National parks have offered a habitat to the orangutans. Non-governmental organizations work together with the habitat management body in providing both the monetary support and participation in activities

.Cooperating encourages team work that increases the chances of achieving the conservation efforts and at the same time offering the much needed support. Indigenous knowledge compliments the modern knowledge about the Orangutan and the habitats they live in.Working together with the local communities in Sumatra ,will encourage sharing of ideas and knowledge on protection and conservation of the species and its habitats.

Effective partnerships between the local stakeholders with real commitment to forest conservation need to be built. The stakeholders include; the local government, local communities and the private sector. Through these partnerships the focus will be on the forest and its economic and ecological value rather than focusing on the orangutans only.

Combining the approaches requires having the required focus. New legislation that prohibits destruction of the habitats in which the protected species live need to be developed. The implementation and enforcement of laws and policies ensure the success of the set guidelines.

People need to develop a sense of responsibility in protecting the species and its habitats. This assists in cubing overexploitation of resources by the local people in order to earn an income. Forests require to be managed to abate the threats. Effect forest management will require real commitment, stakeholder’s investment government organization or independent organization. Collaboration will create a more effective force in ensuring changes that save the Sumatran orangutans happen as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The orangutan conservation community is split. In addition the interpersonal and inter-organizational competition prevents this community to become a strong force. The community needs to unite in order to represent an enormous national and international force. Funding for orangutan conservation will be easily available and sound policy will be enacted to give Indonesia’s orangutans a chance to survive.

Works cited

BBC–Science and Nature–Wild Facts–Sumatran orangutan. Web.

Fachruddin M. 2008. Flying over at the last habitat.

Gillian M. 2007. Palm oil puts squeeze on Asia’s orangutan.

Nick T. 2006. Orangutans “Angels of the forest”.

Stephen P. 2006. The environmental communication Yearbook: Orangutan’s habitat destruction.

Wich S. A. Singleton I, Utami S. Geurts M, Risksen H and Schaik C. 2003. “The status of the Sumatran orangutan pongo abelii: an update” Flora and Fauna International 37(1).

Zimmer & Carl. 1995. Tooling through the trees-tool use by wild orangutans. Discover magazine.