HOW TO OBSERVE ORANGUTANS
Earlier this year, the BOS Foundation welcomed a wave of new personnel in three divisions: Post-Release Monitoring, Ecosystem Restoration–Forest Management & Development, and Ecosystem Restoration-Protection, Security, and Fire Management.
Each division has its distinct roles and responsibilities. For instance, the Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) team, which has welcomed four new members, focuses on observing orangutans and inventorying other wildlife encountered during patrols.
Having more colleagues at the monitoring camp has been exciting, as it has brought fresh energy and curiosity to the daily operations. The new colleagues, Rasya, Farhan, Ferdi, and Rangga, are thrilled about learning and dedicated to their duties, particularly observing orangutans.
Serious and enthusiastic
Before heading into the field, the four rookies learned to read the ethogram, a tool our PRM team uses to record orangutan behaviour. On their first observation outing, they approached the task with seriousness and enthusiasm.
Observing orangutans and documenting the findings are major tasks of the post-release monitoring job.
The new team members split into two groups for their initial journey into the wild. Farhan and Ferdi formed the first group and observed orangutans during a monitoring session at Transect Lito. It was Farhan’s first time seeing an orangutan in its natural habitat, an unforgettable experience for him. The second group, consisting of Rangga and Rasya, had the opportunity to observe orangutans near the Nles Mamse Camp. They were lucky enough to spot Signe and her baby, whom the team hadn’t seen for nearly a year.
Struggling to keep pace
In addition, Rasya, Farhan, Ferdi, and Rangga learned how to observe, document their findings, take GPS coordinates, prioritize behaviour recording, and understand what not to do during an observation. Adapting to the terrain was one of the challenges they had to face. Observing orangutans, who spend most of their time swinging high up in the canopy, is not easy. The PRM team members often navigate the rugged and hilly terrain of Kehje Sewen Forest, struggling to keep pace with the agile and swift orangutans from the ground.
The observation ended when the four new PRM members lost track of the orangutans they were following. Though their efforts weren’t perfect, the recruits have shown strong determination to continue learning and improving. Keep up the great work!
Learn more about our orangutan conservation efforts here.
