Diversity and Distribution of Primates in the Gunung Basur Permanent Forest Reserve

Abstract

This paper presents data regarding the diversity, population density, and distribution of primate species within the Gunung Basur Permanent Forest Reserve (GBPFR). The survey was conducted from the 3rd-8th of November in 2019, covering 7 survey locations (Terang Pump House, Suda Intake, Renyok 1 Intake, Renyok 2 Intake, Renyok 3 Intake, Long Intake, and Long 2 Intake) within the reserve. A total of 36 hours was spent to perform random sampling observations. The focus of this survey was to identify diurnal primate species. A total of 5 species (Symphalangus syndactylus, Hylobates agilis, Presbytis siamensis, Trachypithecus obscurus, and Macaca nemestrina), belonging to the families Hylobatidae and Cercopithecidae, were observed during the survey period. The density of Trachypithecus obscurus was high at the study site, with 60 individuals identified, followed by Symphalangus syndactylus, with 45 individuals, Presbytis siamensis, with 39 individuals, Hylobates agilis, with 20 individuals, and Macaca nemestrina with only 3 individuals. Two of the identified species are classified as Totally Protected (Symphalangus syndactylus and Hylobates agilis), whereas the other 3 species (Macaca nemestrina, Presbytis siamensis, and Trachypithecus obscurus) as classified as Protected, according to the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, 2 species (Symphalangus syndactylus and Hylobates agilis) are considered to be Endangered, 2 species (Presbytis siamensis and Trachypithecus obscurus) are considered to be Near Threatened, and Macaca nemestrina is listed as Vulnerable. The data gathered from this study is crucial for designing a wildlife conservation plan for this reserve.