The Effect of Deforestation and Wildlife Trade

toward Primate Animals in Sumatra and

Borneo

Introduction to Natural Science

Observation Report

Lecturer: Ms. Helena

Group members:

Anggiat Bright Sitorus - 00000024024

Patrick Christy Hermanto - 00000026018
Rahul Kumar Jaikishin - 00000025662
Reiner Darmadi - 00000023584
Stiven Edo - 00000020903
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..... .3
1.1 Background…………………………………………………………………………... ..3
1.2 The Formulation on the Problem…………………………………………………….. ..4
1.3 The purpose of the Paper.……………………………………………………………. ..4
1.4 The Benefits of the Paper……………………………………………………………. ..4
Chapter 2 Theoretical Basic……………………………………………………………………... ..5
2.1 Primate Animals which come from Sumatra…………………………………………..5
2.1.1Siamang Gibbon (Hylobates syndactylus)………………………………………........5
2.12 Aglie Gibbon (Hylobates Agillis).................................................................................5
2.1.3 Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo Abelii)...........................................................................6
2.2 Primate Animals which come from Borneo…………………………………………...6
2.2.1 Mueller’s Bornean Gray Gibbon (Hylobates mulleri).................................................6
2.2.2 Borneo Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)........................................................................7
Chapter III OBSERVATION METHOD……………………………………………………….....7
3.1 Time and Place of the Observation…………………………………………………....7
3.2 Population and Sample……………………………………………………………....,..7
3.3 Method of Collecting Data………………………………………………………….....7
Chapter IV DISCUSSION……………………………………………………………………....,...8
4.1 The Major threats to the primate animals which come from sumatera……………......8
4.1.1 Siamang Gibbon (Hylobates syndactylus)..................................................................8
4.1.2 The major threats to Agile Gibbon (Hylobates agilis)................................................8
4.1.3 The major threats to Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo Abelii).........................................8
4.2 The Major threats to the primate animals which come from Borneo………………....9
4.2.1 Mueller’s Bornean Gray Gibbon (Hylobates mulleri)................................................9
4.2.2 Borneo Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)........................................................................9
4.3 Ways to handle Orangutan Extinction Problems………………………………...,10-11
4.4 Forest condition in Sumatra and Borneo………………………………………....,11-12
V SUMMARY OF FINDING………………………………………………………………........13
5.1 Conclusions...............................................................................................................................13
5.2 Suggestions…………………………………………………………………………………...13
Bibliography...................................................................................................................................14

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 Chapter I
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background
Indonesia consists of tropical forests above 90 million hectares (above 240 million acres).
Therefore, Indonesia’s rainforests become the third largest area of rainforest after the Amazon and
Africa’s Congo Basin. ("Rainforest Facts.", 2014). However, the population of primate animals in
Indonesia decreases significantly. Around 70 percent of the primate animals become endangered due
to deforestation and wildlife trade.
Deforestation threatens the population of primate animals because a forest is the center of
living for them. Many forests especially in Sumatra and Borneo have become the targets. Without
forest, the primate animals cannot breed and fulfill their necessity such as water, food, and safety. In
the 1950’s, according to the fact that Indonesia contains forests around 162 million hectares.
Unfortunately, nowadays, according to Indonesian government, Indonesia only contains around 138
million hectares in 2010’s. The more frustrating part is that many claims estimated Indonesia has less
than 120 million hectares ("Orangutan Borneo.",2013). Many forests have been converted into palm
oil plantation, industrial production, and mining locations. Illegal logging and burning forests create
worse situations. Illegal logging does not concern about replant the forest which destructs the habitat
of the primate animals, meanwhile burning forests usually happens to save cost to open an open field
without concerning the pollution which can cause respiratory problems for other animals and humans.
Apart from deforestation which threatens the quality and quantity of an ecosystem, wildlife
trade causes a threat to the population of primate animals. In fact, above 95 percent of the traded
wildlife are wild caught which prevent sustainability. Many endangered animals are still traded freely.
The price will become more expensive as the animal’s status becomes more endangered. Moreover,
above 40 percent the traded wildlife suffer due to an inappropriate transportation, lack of food, and
misbehave ("Facts about Indonesian Wildlife.", 2012)

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1.2 The Formulation of the Problem
According to the background above, it can be concluded the problem formulation of this
research is as follows:
1. What are the significant effects of deforestation and wildlife trade for the primate animals?
2. How is the habitat condition of the primate animals in Sumatra and Borneo?
3. How to tackle and add suggestions for the extinction of the primate animals which caused
a decrease in population?

1.3 The Purpose of the Paper

Based on the formulation of the problem above, this paper is assembled with the aim of
finding out:
1. The facts about the primate animals.
2. The habitat condition of the primate animals which come from Sumatra and Borneo.
3. The condition of the forest in Sumatra and Borneo.

1.4 The Benefits of the Paper

Can be concluded the benefits of this paper for the reader and the author himself is as follows:
1. For the author, this paper adds insight to the author about the habitat condition of the prime
animals and the real issue of the causes of a decrease in their population.
2. For the readers, this paper encourages the reader to realize and recognize the issue of the
habitat condition which threaten the population of the prime animals in Indonesia

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 BAB II
Theoretical Basis

2.1 Primate Animals which come from Sumatra

2.1.1 Siamang Gibbon (Hylobates syndactylus)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Hylobatidae
Its habitat can be found around West Sumatra specifically in primary tropical forests,
secondary forests, and lowland forests. The pregnancy period is up to 220 days. The distance of giving
birth is around 3 years and 4 years. Its lifespan is approximately 35 years old. Its food is leaves (59%),
fruits (31%), flowers (8%), insects, and grains.

2.1.2 Agile Gibbon (Hylobates agilis)

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Hylobatidae
Its habitat can be found around West Sumatra specifically in lowland primary forest, swamp
forest, and the border of swamp forest and dry land. The pregnancy period is still unknown. The
distance of giving birth is around 4 years. Its lifespan is up to 32 years old. Its food is fruits (58%),
leaves (39%), flowers (3%), and insects and grains (1%).

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2.1.3 Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo Abelii)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Hominidae
Its habitat can be found mountain forests, lowland forests, and swamps. It brown hair color
with slightly thick or long hair. The adult males are twice the size of the female, ranging from 125 to
150 mm. The adult males have weight 50-150 kg, whereas the females have between 30-70 kg. Males
have sound pockets that work for a long call (shout). The pregnancy period is 8 months. The distance
of giving birth is around 4 years. Its lifespan is up to 50 years old. Its food is fruits (60%), residual
leaves, flowers, eggs, tree bark, and insects.

2.2 Primate Animals which come from Borneo

2.2.1 Mueller’s Bornean Gray Gibbon (Hylobates mulleri)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Hylobatidae
Its habitat can be found primary and secondary forest, mountain forest, and plantation area.
The pregnancy period is still unknown. The distance of giving birth is around 3 years. Its lifespan is
around 47years old. Its food is fruits (60%), leaves (32%), flowers (4%), and seeds and insects (2%).

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2.2.2 Borneo Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Hominidae
Its habitat can be found mountain forests, lowland forests, and swamps. The pregnancy period
is around 8 months. The baby’s weight is around 1.1- 1.7 kg. The mature year is when reached 10
years old. Its lifespan is around 59 years old. Its food is fruits (60%), residual leaves, flowers, eggs,
tree bark, and insects.

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 BAB III
OBSERVATION METHOD

3.1 Time and Place of the Observation

The time of the observation is on Thursday, 8 June 2017. The place of the observation is at
Ragunan Zoo, South Jakarta. Ragunan zoo has been our priority because it is located near to our
house and crowded place.

3.2 Population and Sample

In the preparation of this observation report, the population is the primate animals in
Indonesia. The samples are the primate animals which come from Sumatra and Borneo.

3.3 Method of Collecting Data

In collecting the data, we involve in observing the primate animals in the Ragunan zoo. We
were not only observing the primate animals, but also their habitat in the Ragunan zoo. The
information of the animals is facilitated in the zoo. For further information, we research some
information through reliable sources on internet

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 BAB IV
DISCUSSION

4.1 The Major threats to the primate animals which come from
Sumatra
4.1.1 Siamang Gibbon (Hylobates syndactylus)
The major threats for this species are deforestation and the wildlife trade. In fact, in 1996-
1999, around 40 % of its habitat in Sumatra was damaged due to road development, logging, and
plantation. Furthermore, Siamang considered as one of the most targeted for illegal trade wildlife as
a pet.

4.1.2 The major threats to Agile Gibbon (Hylobates agilis)

The major threats for this species are deforestation and the wildlife trade. The major lost of
the forest is due to the conversion of the habitat into oil palm. The national parks in Sumatra also are
affected by the illegal agriculture development as opportunistic people build it inside the national
park. For instance, the opportunistic people build coffee plantations in Bukit Barisan Selatan National
park which leads to an increase in deforestation rate. Moreover, Agile Gibbon considered as one of
the most targeted gibbon for illegal trade wildlife nearby Java.

4.1.3 The major threats to Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo Abelii)

The major threats for this species are deforestation and the wildlife trade. The major loss of
the forest is due to the conversion of the habitat into oil palm. When some Sumatran Orangutan
remain alive, in the long term, they will eventually die because they are starved to death due to
competition with other animals. Furthermore, the Sumatran Orangutan is targeted for the wildlife
trade. The worst case is that it often gets killed by poor villagers who are unable to afford meat for
consumption.

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4.2 The Major threats to the primate animals which come from Borneo
4.2.1 Mueller’s Bornean Gray Gibbon (Hylobates mulleri)
The major threats for this species are deforestation and the wildlife trade. In fact, 54
individuals have been traded in markets in Kalimantan. Furthermore, the oil palm plantation causes
deforestation which is needed to cut forests.

4.2.2 Borneo Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)

The major threats for this species are illegal hunting and deforestation. Illegal hunting is a
concern for affecting the Bornean Orangutan population. According to some interview surveys, more
than a thousand Orangutan are killed for meat consumption every year. Furthermore, around 27% of
the rural people in Kalimantan did not recognize that law protects orangutans. The mortality rate is
higher than the birth rate. Therefore, it becomes endangered as every individual can only give birth
every three to four years.
Apart from the illegal hunting, the deforestation is a concern for affecting the Bornean
Orangutan population. The easiest way is burning the forest, but it causes a huge impact for the
animals and humans. In fact, in 1983 and 1998, the Kutai National Park had been set up fire which
caused a huge lost. The Bornean Orangutan population reduced from around 4,000 individuals in
1970s to 600 individuals in 1998.

4.3 Ways to handle Orangutan Extinction Problems

The easiest way to save endangered primate animals is we support World Wide Fund (WWF)
Indonesia by giving donations. It has dedicated their existence to save primate animals since 1970. It
has encouraged other local and international groups such as universities, government bodies, and
local communities. Example of their programs and dedications in Indonesia especially Sumatra and
Borneo are

● Conserving the primate animals’ habitat: WWF is working to create a safety habitat in Borneo
and Sumatra by protecting the areas and expanding the forest landscapes which are connected
by corridors.

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 ● Achieving sustainable palm oil production: WWF has been researching to find out the way to
achieve sustainable palm oil. It ensures the high conservative area are not being cut down.
Therefore, there will be no deforestation.
● Encouraging being a partner with timber companies: by being cooperative with the timber
companies, the negative impacts can be reduced. Therefore, the company can be aware to be
selective in cutting trees.
● Preventing illegal wildlife trade: they have been working with Indonesian government to
monitor illegal wildlife trade. So that, the criminals will be punished and prevent the incident
in the future.
● Spread awareness to rural population: they spread campaigns across the rural areas; so that
the poaching activity can be prevented. When the awareness is built, the rural citizens can
find the substitute. ("Orangutan Borneo.", 2013)

The primate animals can give a huge impact to our society such as:
1. As a seed disperser in plant regeneration
The primate animals are well-known for having leaves, fruits, and seeds as their food. Their
eating activity creates benefits for the forest because the leftovers on the forest will regenerate into a
new plant. Therefore, the new plant will grow naturally into a new tree. When there is no primate
animals, the supply of the leftovers will decrease. Hence, no new plants will grow in the forest. The
benefits of growing trees are converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, becoming the place for living
for animals, and preventing global warming.
2. Source of Knowledge
The primate animals can become an object for research by the experts. The experts sometimes
compare them with the humans because they have a little bit similarity. Therefore, there is unknown
thing that can be found in the future.
3. As a tourism object
The primate animals can give some sense of entertainment to a tourist in the zoo. Not only a
tourist can enjoy visiting them, but also the students can enjoy their existence. They can be amazed
and learn new things from their habitat.

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4.4 Forest condition in Sumatra and Borneo
The forests in Sumatra is in crisis due to deforestation for logging, rubber, and oil palm
plantations. An expert from the Rainforest Trust, a Non-Profit organization stated that “Every minute,
a forested area the size of five football fields is cleared on the island to make way for paper, rubber
and palm oil plantations.” His claim has described how significant the crisis is. Fortunately, the
Rainforest Trust put incentives to save the forests. It has been working with Yayasan Konservasi
Ekosistem Hutan Sumatera (KEHUS) to create conservation areas. Those areas include lowland areas
in Bukit Tigapuluh. They have conserved more than 200 thousand acres which not only save the
primate animals, but also other endangered animals in Bukit Tigapuluh. The challenge that they need
to face is they need to be aware and strict to the Indonesian law enforcement because the forests
mostly are owned by the state. The law enforcements often are lenient which allow some companies
to do deforestation. When the habitat destroyed, the endangered animals will not have a place to live.
The poachers eventually hunt the endangered animals easily because the endangered animals stay
nowhere. ("Saving Sumatra's Rarest Wildlife.", 2014)
The forest condition in Borneo is the same as Sumatra, but it has more resources for land
conversion and mining. It often faces illegal logging problems, according to satellite studies, they
found out that more than 50% of protected lowland rainforests were cut down in 1986-2000 to fulfil
the global demand for timber. That actions affect around 29,000 km² (equal to the size of Belgium).
The enforcement laws are lenient even without giving heavy punishments which encourage the
suspects to repeat the activity. Furthermore, it has been targeted for its oil palm11 resources to fulfill
the demand for global palm oil. In fact, the oil palm production increases from around 600,000
hectares (1985) to over 6 million hectares (2007). When the forests are dry, they are prone to fires.
The recovery takes so long because no awareness from the official to monitor. ("Threats to Borneo
Forests.", 2014)

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 V
SUMMARY OF FINDING
5.1 Conclusions
From the discussion about the effect of deforestation and Wildlife trade toward primate
animals in Sumatra and Borneo, it can be concluded that:
1. Indonesia has an enormous tropical forest spread out Sumatra and Borneo. Many species live
in those forests, but the population has been decreasing rapidly especially for the primate
animals.
2. The causes for the decrease in population of the primate animals are deforestation such as
legal/illegal logging, setting up fire and wildlife trade such as poaching illegally, trading as a
pet.
3. The birth rate of the primate animals is not proportional to their mortality rate because they
need more than 200 days to give birth. On the other hand, more than ten animals can die in
only 100 days due to the deforestation and illegal wildlife trade.
4. The ways for us to prevent the extinction of the primate animals are supporting the non-profit
organization like WWF, buying products that are environmentally friendly, and applying Go-
Green.
5. The forest condition in Sumatra and Borneo is in a crisis because the forests have decreased
rapidly. This occurs because many companies want to fulfill the global demand especially for
the palm oil and timber. The conservative areas often were destroyed illegally because the
Indonesian law enforcement are often lenient. Fortunately, some the non-profit organization
like WWF and the Rainforest Trust support preventing the deforestation.

5.1 Suggestions
For improving this paper, the writer suggests for the next writers in the future to: Expanding
the lecture room of research data more accurate and more deeply analyzed and collect more references
from other experts.

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 Bibliography

"Facts about Indonesian Wildlife." PROFAUNA, 2012. Web. 11 June 2017.

<https://www.profauna.net/en/facts-about-indonesian-animals#.WTmMmZCGPIU>.
"Indonesia's Rainforests: Biodiversity and Endangered Species." Rainforest Action Network, n.d.
Web. 11 June 2017.
<https://www.ran.org/indonesia_s_rainforests_biodiversity_and_endangered_species>..
"Orangutan Borneo." WWF, 2013. Web. 11 June 2017.
<http://www.wwf.or.id/program/spesies/orangutan_kalimantan/>.
"Rainforest Facts." Orangutan Foundation International RSS, 2014. Web. 11 June 2017.
<https://orangutan.org/rainforest/rainforest-facts/>
"Saving Sumatra's Rarest Wildlife." Rainforest Trust, 2014. Web. 11 June 2017.
<https://www.rainforesttrust.org/project/saving-sumatras-rarest-wildlife/>
"Threats to Borneo Forests." N.p., 2014. Web. 11 June 2017.
<http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/where_we_work/borneo_forests/borneo_deforestation/#
conversion>.

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