The Population of siamang ( Sympalangus syndactylus) in Damaran Baru Forest, Timang Gajah District, Bener Meriah Regency

Abstract

Abstract The decline in the siamang population is due to increased trade, hunting and habitat degradation. The main buffer habitats generally only remain in forests with conservation forest status, one of which is the Damaran Baru Village Forest. This study aims to identify siamang populations in Damaran Baru Village Forest, Timang Gajah District. The research was conducted for one month from May to June 2023. The location was determined using a purposive sampling technique based on direct encounters and the tracks left by these animals. The research method used was observation with the concentration count, by recording the coordinates, height, number of individuals, sex of the animal and the number of each age class. The population was analyzed using the equation of population size and population density. Based on the data, the population was 15 individuals from 5 groups with a density of 6.97 individuals/km2. The age classes of adults (66.6%) and juvenile-1 (20%) dominated the age structure; hence, the population’s sustainability is considered good enough. Group 4 is the most balanced group in terms of age composition, because it has individual representatives in each age class. The sexual ratio in each group of siamang is 1:1.