Competition for limited resources and living spaces

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 1 views

Building Harmony in the Batangtoru Forest: Mitigation of Human Conflict and Tapanuli Orangutans

The conflict between humans and Tapanuli orangutans in the Batangtoru landscape, South Tapanuli Regency, has increased significantly in recent years. Competition for limited resources and living spaces, as well as the expansion of aquaculture and forest degradation, are the main triggers for this conflict. The competition for resources has led to a decrease in the availability of food and shelter for both humans and orangutans, resulting in increased tensions between the two species.

Research Methodology

Research on the mitigation model of the Tapanuli Man-Manpower conflict in the conservation forest and the supporting villages in the Batangtoru landscape was carried out to find solutions to this pressing issue. This study used various data collection methods, such as making transect and observation plots, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and literature studies. The data analysis used various equations related to ecological, socioeconomic, local wisdom, and institutional aspects.

Results and Findings

The results revealed that Tapanuli orangutans have a preference for certain types and characteristics of trees for nesting. The estimated density of orangutan population based on nest discovery ranges from 0.41-0.65 individuals per square kilometer, or about 155 individuals with a low growth rate (R) of 0.051. Nevertheless, the potential for vegetation and availability of feed trees in this region can still support the population of Tapanuli orangutans up to 247 individuals, and is predicted to be stable until 2100.

On the other hand, people in villages in conflict with the majority orangutan work as farmers with the last education at the junior high school level and revenue under Rp4,000,000 per month. They often move in orangutan habitat, such as taking firewood, gardening, and cutting down trees, which increase the potential for conflict with this protected animal.

Factors Contributing to Conflict

The chance of conflict is getting higher in the buffer area, where there are many community cultivation feed trees, logging activities, as well as damage to plants consumed by orangutans, such as durian (Durio Zibethinus Murray). The community perception index shows that most people consider orangutans as plant pests and will expel them from their land, especially in the fruit season.

Unfortunately, local wisdom that previously became a fortress to preserve the Tapanuli Orangutan, such as the tradition of praying during harvests and protecting nausea as a source of water, began to be abandoned.

Effective Conflict Mitigation Model

The effective conflict mitigation model can be applied through the development of ecological and economic aspects in collaboratively, under government coordination. The recommended priority strategies include:

Feed Enrichment

Increasing the availability of natural feed trees and aquaculture to reduce competition between orangutans and humans.

Corridor Development

Building a liaison corridor between orangutan habitat to increase connectivity and reduce conflict in the border area.

Ecotourism Village

Building a sustainable ecotourism village to improve the community's economy and encourage their participation in the preservation of orangutans.

Non-cash Compensation

Providing compensation to people affected by conflict in non-cash forms, such as training and access to the market for environmentally friendly products.

Revitalization of Local Wisdom

Inviting the community to revive local wisdom that supports the preservation of Tapanuli Orangutans, such as the tradition of praying during harvests and preserving water sources.

Conclusion

This mitigation model will succeed if all parties, including the government, society, and non-governmental organizations, work together to create a sustainable solution for humans and Tapanuli orangutans in the Batangtoru landscape. The development of ecological and economic aspects in collaboratively, under government coordination, is crucial to reduce competition between orangutans and humans, and to increase the availability of natural feed trees and aquaculture.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research should focus on the implementation of the mitigation model, and the evaluation of its effectiveness in reducing human-orangutan conflict in the Batangtoru landscape. Additionally, research should be conducted on the impact of the mitigation model on the local economy and the community's perception of orangutans.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the research. Future research should aim to increase the sample size and to conduct a more comprehensive study of the human-orangutan conflict in the Batangtoru landscape.

Future Directions

The findings of this study have several implications for the conservation of Tapanuli orangutans and the reduction of human-orangutan conflict in the Batangtoru landscape. Future research should focus on the implementation of the mitigation model, and the evaluation of its effectiveness in reducing human-orangutan conflict. Additionally, research should be conducted on the impact of the mitigation model on the local economy and the community's perception of orangutans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main cause of human conflict with Tapanuli orangutans in the Batangtoru landscape?

A: The main cause of human conflict with Tapanuli orangutans in the Batangtoru landscape is competition for limited resources and living spaces, as well as the expansion of aquaculture and forest degradation.

Q: What is the estimated density of orangutan population in the Batangtoru landscape?

A: The estimated density of orangutan population in the Batangtoru landscape is between 0.41-0.65 individuals per square kilometer, or about 155 individuals with a low growth rate (R) of 0.051.

Q: What are the recommended priority strategies for mitigating human conflict with Tapanuli orangutans?

A: The recommended priority strategies for mitigating human conflict with Tapanuli orangutans include:

Feed enrichment: Increasing the availability of natural feed trees and aquaculture to reduce competition between orangutans and humans.
Corridor development: Building a liaison corridor between orangutan habitat to increase connectivity and reduce conflict in the border area.
Ecotourism village: Building a sustainable ecotourism village to improve the community's economy and encourage their participation in the preservation of orangutans.
Non-cash compensation: Providing compensation to people affected by conflict in non-cash forms, such as training and access to the market for environmentally friendly products.
Revitalization of local wisdom: Inviting the community to revive local wisdom that supports the preservation of Tapanuli orangutans, such as the tradition of praying during harvests and preserving water sources.

Q: What is the role of government coordination in mitigating human conflict with Tapanuli orangutans?

A: Government coordination is crucial in mitigating human conflict with Tapanuli orangutans. The government should work with local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective conservation strategies.

Q: What are the potential benefits of the mitigation model for the local community?

A: The mitigation model has the potential to benefit the local community in several ways, including:

Improved economic opportunities through ecotourism and sustainable forest management.
Increased access to education and training opportunities.
Improved health and well-being through reduced conflict and increased access to natural resources.
Preservation of local culture and traditions.

Q: What are the potential challenges of implementing the mitigation model?

A: The potential challenges of implementing the mitigation model include:

Resistance from local communities who may be skeptical of the benefits of conservation.
Limited resources and funding for conservation efforts.
Conflicting interests between different stakeholders, such as local communities, NGOs, and government agencies.
Difficulty in measuring the effectiveness of the mitigation model.

Q: What is the next step in implementing the mitigation model?

A: The next step in implementing the mitigation model is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the local community's needs and priorities, and to develop a detailed plan for implementing the mitigation model. This should include engaging with local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure that the mitigation model is effective and sustainable.

Q: What is the expected outcome of the mitigation model?

A: The expected outcome of the mitigation model is to reduce human conflict with Tapanuli orangutans in the Batangtoru landscape, and to preserve the orangutan population and its habitat. The mitigation model is expected to improve the economic and social well-being of the local community, and to promote sustainable forest management and conservation practices.