Biophysical and anthropogenic factors affecting human and Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) conflict in Sumatran tropical rain forest, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is a critically endangered species that must be conserved. One of the locations where it is found is Dolok Sipirok Natural Reserve. The threat to this species arises from land use of agriculture and accessibility to the area, resulting in human-orangutan conflict. Identification of conflict areas is necessary. Information on the contributing factors to conflicts between humans and orangutans is also important. This research analyzed the relationship between spatial characteristics with conflict location. The factors including distance to the forest boundary, road, and the river, slope, altitude, and land cover were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using Rank Spearman correlation coefficient was. The results showed that distance to farmland and altitude were the main factors affecting the conflict, while the weakest factor was distance from the road. Arse Nauli village was the place where most conflicts occurred. The most robust relationship with conflict was altitude.