On the sidelines of a national seminar in Palangka Raya on Thursday, he said that based on the 2016 Population and Habitat Viability Analysis (PHVA), the orangutan population in TNS was estimated at 6,080 and has grown to an estimated range of 8,772 to 8,973.
Dohong said that the increase in the orangutan population in the national park, which covers an area of 543,871 hectares, is a positive indicator that their natural conditions and ecosystem are improving.
He underscored that orangutans have an important role in forest seed dispersal.
"Orangutans also play a role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems, and they also act as protectors of other species whose lives depend on forest ecosystems," he said.
Ruswanto, the Sebangau National Park Office (BTNS) head, said that his office has gradually succeeded in restoring the ecosystem in the national park area through various efforts, including replanting as well as creating and repairing canal blocks.
TNS straddles three regions of Central Kalimantan, namely Palangka Raya City, Katingan District, and Pulang Pisau District.
"So far, forest fires and orangutan hunting are the threats," Ruswanto said. "We can say that forest and land fires are currently the biggest threats."
The office is continuing to cooperate with various parties to protect the ecosystem in TNS, including by monitoring its natural conditions.
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Translator: Rendhik Andika, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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