JAKARTA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry said that the latest survey estimated the population of Sumatran orangutans at 11,694 individuals and Tapanuli orangutans at 716.
Deputy Forestry Minister Rohmat Marzuki said on Monday that the 2021-2023 survey highlighted serious preservation challenges, including a decline in the Sumatran orangutan population compared to 2011 figures and the severe vulnerability of Tapanuli orangutans in the Batang Toru landscape.
Scientific data generated through this survey serves as an essential foundation for formulating targeted conservation policies, Rohmat said in a statement released on Monday.
He added that in line with the ministry's strategic plan, the government will strengthen conservation efforts through habitat protection, law enforcement, conservation area management, and cross-sector collaboration.
The ministry also plans to conduct population and habitat viability assessments to support the implementation of the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2045. ■
