Unraveling the vulnerability of protected areas in Sumatra to oil palm expansion
Abstract
Tesso
Nilo
National
Park
(TNNP),
one
of
the
last
refugia
Sumatran
tiger
(Panthera
tigris
sumatrae )
which
stands
on
verge
extinction
as
threats
increase
from
land-use
changes
resulting
in
massive
forest
fragmentation.
This
study
examines
landscape
dynamics
TNNP
between
2004
to
2024,
using
advanced
geospatial
tools,
analyzing
land
use
cover
(LULC),
and
fragmentation
patterns.
Field
data
interviews
complement
spatial
analysis.
We
found
a
dramatic
decline
87.5%
total
area
32.84%
with
corresponding
agricultural
bareland.
Our
results
also
showed
substantial
number
patches
edges,
indicating
severe
habitat
disturbance
reduction
core
forest.
The
park's
human
footprint
reached
99.39%
modified
land,
critically
threatening
flagship
species
like
tigers
elephants
that
require
extensive
contiguous
habitats.
While
Indonesia's
palm
oil
moratorium
has
been
place
since
2018,
weak
enforcement
local
livelihood
dependencies
continue
exacerbate
propose
three
key
solutions:
(1)
targeted
restoration
priority
connectivity
corridors,
(2)
implementation
transition
programs
buffer
zones
provide
economic
alternatives,
(3)
satellite-based
monitoring
systems
for
law
enforcement.
These
findings
underscore
urgent
need
integrated
management
combines
strict
protection
sustainable
approaches.
Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: May 22, 2025
Language: Английский