ABSTRACT
The forest area around the Tunan River is one of primates habitat in East Kalimantan. Several areas of the forest have been converted into residential areas, roads and bridges. As a result of changes in land use, forest fragments are formed and threaten the existence of primates. Research regarding the distribution of primates in this area has also never been reported. The aim of this research is to determine the distribution of primates in the forest fragmentation area of Waru District, Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan. This research was conducted from January 2022 to March 2022. Direct observation and Total Count Sampling were used as methods in the primate groups observation. The primate group distribution map was created using the Avenza maps and Quantum GIS applications. Based on the research results, 3 primate species were obtained, namely the Long-tailed Monkey (Macaca fascicularis), Proboscis Monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), and Gray Langur (Trachypithecus cristatus), which showed a group lifestyle. However, Proboscis monkeys are the dominant primates in this area, with greater numbers of individuals and groups compare to the other 2 species. Primates have preferences for certain types of trees which can influence their distribution. The distribution of primate groups in forest fragments along the Tunan River was influenced by the distribution of the Pidada merah (Sonneratia caseolaris). The distribution proportion of proboscis monkeys is dominated by Pidada merah (Sonneratia caseolaris) (76%), followed by buta-buta (Excoecaria agallocha) (8%), and several other plants. The distribution proportion of gray langurs influenced by Pidada merah (50%), mango (Mangifera indica) (19%), and buta-buta (11%). Meanwhile, the distribution proportion of Long-tailed monkeys determined by Pidada merah (40%), coconut trees (Cocos nucifera) (14%), and api-api (Avicennia rumphiana) (13%).
Keywords: fragmentation, distribution, primates, Tunan River