Tree architecture model of Sumatran Orangutan Pongo abelii Lesson, 1827 (Mammalia: Primates: Hominidae) nests at Soraya Research Station, Leuser Ecosystem, Indonesia

Abstract

The relationship between tree architectural models and the nesting behavior of the Sumatran Orangutan Pongo abelii Lesson, 1827 at the Soraya Research Station, Sumatra, Indonesia was determined by examining the preference for particular nest tree architectural models in relation to the frequency of nest occurrence. This investigation included the study of tree architectural models, tree types, nest profiles, vegetation, environmental factors, and geospatial data, collected within a 20 × 1, 000 m (2 ha) observational area during a nest survey. A total of 59 orangutan nests were identified across 47 trees, categorized into 31 species and nine varied tree architectural models. Among these, the most prevalent models observed were Cook, Scarrone, and Attims, which exhibit features assumed to enhance orangutan nesting behaviors. Based on the Neu approach to nest qualities, the analytical test findings show a correlation between the preference ratings for nesting trees. Our results are expected to serve as a reference for selecting tree species in rehabilitation or habitat restoration programs and the development of separated forest block corridors as conservation efforts for orangutans.