This project will protect the world's most Critically Endangered great ape, Tapanuli orangutan, in Batang Toru Ecosystem, Sumatra, Indonesia.
With less than 800 individuals remaining, the Tapanuli orangutans (Pongo tapanuliensis) are the most Critically Endangered great apes in the world. The Batang Toru Ecosystem is the only place on earth where these orangutans can still be found but it is under immediate threats from encroachment, poaching, illegal logging, and human-orangutan conflict.
Since 2017, we established a working unit called Tapanuli Orangutan Protection Unit (TOPU) to focus on Tapanuli orangutan protection in Batang Toru Ecosystem. We partner with the North Sumatra provincial Wildlife Authority (BBKSDA) to carry out regular joint patrol along the border of the Batang Toru Ecosystem to prevent orangutan captures, orangutan trade, illegal logging, encroachments, and illegal hunting. We seriously need to continue and expand this activity.
This project will prevent capture of Tapanuli orangutan in 24 villages adjacent to orangutan habitat in Batang Toru Ecosystem. The awareness of 1000 local villagers is also raised regarding the urgency of protecting Tapanuli orangutan and its habitat.
