BATU KAPAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The aim of the Batu Kapal Conservation Program is to form and work with a group of like minded landowners and volunteers in the Batu Kapal area to protect and conserve that native fauna and flora of the area.

Background and context. The Batu Kapal area sits to the south east of Bukit Lawang and is bounded by the Landak (porcupine) river. Until recently the Landak river defined a northern boundary of the Gunung Leuser National Park but ongoing. However ongoing logging and clearance of jungle and planting of rubber have led to pattern of farming which has allowed these areas to be sold to landowners.

Photographic evidence of the area shows the area north of the river was already substantially cleared of canopy trees by 1991. Eye witness accounts state the forest was cleared some time in the mid 1980’s. It is important to note wild elephants were still exant at this time, (the Sumatran elephants currently on patrol at Tangkahan were wild elephants at Batu Kapal).

The importance of this history of land use is to note the existing primary jungle tree canopy was so reduced on the northern side of the river that it only now occurs along the top of the cliffs. It is logical to assume the wild population of orangutan became isolated at this time. It is further noted wild orangutan are entirely arboreal.

The Batu Kapal Conservation Program seeks to progress the following

1/ to provide sufficient food for the native animals in general and the orangutan in particular to maintain health and vitality. This will include the progressive replacement of palm oil and rubber plantations with indigenous tall tree species. The purchase and rental of existing mature fruit trees may be necessary. Developing income models at least as commercially attractive as palm oil need to be investigated.

2/to provide a tall tree canopy biolink reconnecting Batu Kapal to the park and therefore providing an opportunity for the movement of animals to aid in genetic diversity. Reversing the ongoing intrusion into the park in key identified areas will be required. The revegetation of the Landak river is a priority.

3/to demonstrate best practice ecotourism whereby human development does not impact the sustainability of natural ecosystem. This will require developing limits to land use, landholding minimum size and prohibiting some forms of land use and recreational activities. Possible government assistance in moderating development will be required.

Batu Kapal Conservation Program activities

Surveying, mapping and monitoring the area, habitats and animals with GPS. To identify existing landholdings, there primary land use and the extant native vegetation.
To map orangutan habitation and food forage areas. To map known orangutan movement pathways with GPS.
To develop a full species list for fauna and flora. To identify the ecosystem service provided by each subject. With a view to developing a better understanding of what is missing. To establish recovery programmes for threatened and vulnerable species.
Create wildlife corridors to reconnect orangutan and animal habitats between the national park and the nature buffer zone on private lands as per the project plan
Develop best practice ecotourism activities which have minimum impact on the surrounding environment
Implement fruit buy back program with the farmers where fruit is to be left on the trees for the animals
Establish a tourism tree planting program where proceeds go back to support the program to buy trees for the wildlife corridors and Biolinks and buy fruit from neighbouring farmers to be left n the trees for the animals
Develop the area as a ‘’totally wild ecotourism’’ area, possibly charging a small fee for tours and treks, which is reinvested back into the program

If you would like to participate in any of Sumatra Adventure Holidays volunteering initiatives or make a donation for school supplies for our English School House, please contact us at sumatraadventureholidays@gmail.com and we will be happy to make the arrangements for you as part of your adventure travel to Sumatra or your students gap year.

WE CAN HELP ARRANGE YOUR VOLUNTEERING PROGRAM FROM AS LITTLE AS $35US TO $65 US A DAY
This price includes your basic backpacker style accommodation, Medan airport/hotel transfers and 3 traditional Indonesian meals a day, (including tea coffee and water) You will just need a little extra money for any activities you would like to do on the weekend.

COME WHEN IT SUITS YOU FOR THE TIME YOU HAVE AVAILABLE!

WE DO NOT CHARGE AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, ALL NET PROCEEDS FROM VOLUNTEERING ARE REINVESTED BACK INTO THE CONSERVATION PROGRAM