Feeding activity of orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) in Schmutzer Primate Centre, Jakarta.

Abstract

The study of feeding activity and feeding preference of eight orangutans has been conducted at Schmutzer Primate Centre, Jakarta, from March to September 2008. Feeding activity data collection was performed using focal animal sampling, while feeding preference of each object was collected by direct observation on the single cage. Based on 336 hours observation within 6 months, orangutan spent 53,18% of the time on feeding, 17,27% on resting, and 14,79% on traveling. The daily activity pattern was distributed bimodally with peaks at about 08.00 and 14.00. Feeding activity was greater in the morning (08.00–10.30) and in the afternoon (13.30– 16.00), while resting was greater at the midday. The percentage of fruits / vegetables consumed provided by the Schmutzer Primate Centre was greater (96,90%) than foods available in the exhibition cages (3,10%). Three species of plants were consumed frequently; fig (Ficus benjamina) (0,48%), rumput gajah (Pannisetum purpureum) (0,24%) and velvet tamarind (Dialium indicum) (0,21%), respectively. In addition, orangutan sometimes eat soil, feces, and insect. Based on feeding preference observed on the single cage, there were 3 kinds of foods highly preferred by orangutan, such as, egg, mango, and banana.