Peran Penting Taman Hutan Raya Sultan Syarif Hasyim Propinsi Riau Sebagai Refugia Satwaliar (The Important Role Of Sultan Syarif Hasyim Forest Park Conservation Area, Riau Province As A Wildlife Refugia)

Abstract

Taman Hutan Raya Sultan Syarif Hasyim (Tahura SSH) represents one of the remaining lowland tropical rainforests in Riau Province and functions as an important habitat and refugium for regional wildlife. This study assesses land-cover conditions, vegetation structure, wildlife diversity, and the ecological role of the area in supporting key species. Land-cover analysis shows that the landscape is dominated by plantations (47%), secondary dryland forest (28%), and mixed dryland agriculture (19%). Residual Dipterocarpaceae trees are largely remnants of past logging activities, with limited regeneration observed in the sapling and pole stages. Compilation of literature, technical reports, and field surveys recorded at least 28 mammal species, 136 bird species, and 16 herpetofauna species, of which 18 mammals, 26 birds, and 3 reptile species are listed as protected or threatened under IUCN Red List, CITES, or national regulations. Habitat fragmentation, forest degradation from former timber concessions, illegal logging, and declining water quality and availability have reduced habitat carrying capacity, driving wildlife—particularly Sumatran elephants, Sumatran tigers, and sun bears—into adjacent villages and increasing human–wildlife conflict. GPS-collar monitoring of elephants indicates seasonal movements associated with resource availability. These findings highlight the critical role of Tahura SSH as a refugium and underscore the need for habitat restoration, improved provisioning of food and water sources, development of ecological corridors, and integrated in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies for key species. Strengthened management is essential to sustain wildlife populations and safeguard one of the last lowland forest ecosystems in Riau.