In Indonesia's Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, a vital effort is underway to reintroduce Critically Endangered Bornean orangutans to their natural homes.
Since 2016, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation has been utilising this national park as a release site for orangutans to grant these magnificent creatures a second chance at thriving in the wild. However, the journey doesn't end with their release. Post-release monitoring plays a crucial role in securing the success of this rehabilitation program.
The Importance of Post-Release Monitoring
Post-release monitoring involves various activities, including orangutan tracking using radio tracking technology and behavioural data collection during focal animal follows. These efforts are geared towards assessing the orangutans' ability to survive independently in their natural habitat for at least one-year post-release.
To support these endeavours, the Foundation has enlisted the help of 13 employees from nearby villages. These individuals receive training and resources to assist in monitoring orangutans and gathering valuable data, which informs ongoing efforts to enhance the rehabilitation program.
Methods of Post-Release Monitoring
Observation methods in post-release monitoring include nest-to-nest monitoring, found-to-nest monitoring, nest-to-lost monitoring, and found-to-lost monitoring. Each method enables the monitoring team to track the orangutans' movements and behaviours throughout the day, providing valuable insights into their adaptation to life in the wild.
Carlos’ Remarkable Journey
One recent success story is that of Carlos, a male orangutan who recently embarked on a journey back to the wild after spending 19 years in rehabilitation at the Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre. With the support of the Foundation, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Natural Resources Conservation Centre of Central Kalimantan, Carlos was released into the Bukit Batikap Protection Forest.
Carlos's release marks a significant milestone, but the journey doesn't end there. Equipped with a small transmitter for tracking, Carlos will undergo extensive post-release monitoring to ensure his successful adaptation to his newfound freedom. The monitoring team will closely observe his movements and behaviours, providing invaluable insights into his integration into the wild.
To learn more about this project and how you can support orangutan conservation efforts, stay tuned for updates from the field. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for these incredible creatures and their natural habitats.