Canopy bridges for Sumatran Orangutans in West Toba, Northern Sumatra 

Species Rapid Action Fund
Written By
 

© Mandai Wildlife Group

The emergency

A major road upgrade in West Toba will divide the Sikulaping Protected Forest and Siranggas Wildlife Reserve in North Sumatra. This will prevent arboreal mammals from accessing previously connected patches of natural forest, including Sumatran Orangutan. Mitigation measures are needed to try and ensure that the Sumatran Orangutan population remains as connected as possible.

Results

  • Five canopy bridges were installed at several important locations along the road.

  • Black Sumatran Langurs have been recorded by camera-traps using four of the canopy bridges, and new Sumatran Oranguatan nests have been observed nearby. This indicates that the resident orangutans are scoping out the bridges, providing hope that they will use them in time, having observed other primate species use the bridges.

  • Lessons learnt from installing the canopy bridges were provided in a forum with the local government and other stakeholders.

Reports

 

AT A GLANCE

 

Organisation: Sumatran Orangutan Society

Country: Indonesia

Year project started: 2023

Species: Sumatran Orangutan

Supported by: Fondation Segré

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