The Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem is important for the conservation of Sumatran species such as orangutan, tiger and elephant. The area is surrounded by villages, oil palm and paper and pulp plantations. As such, illegal logging, habitat encroachment, poaching and human-animal conflict occurs, all of which are serious threats to the long term survival of the environment and its animals.
Specially trained Wildlife Protection Units patrol the rough and rugged forest terrain to secure the forests against illegal activities, conduct wildlife surveys and collect information about potential threats (forest encroachment, illegal logging, new plantations). The Wildlife Protection Units also raise awareness of Indonesian conservation law to local communities, assist with orangutan reintroductions and support mobile education units.
Importantly, the units provide employment for people who might otherwise have to work for industries that destroy the ecosystem. Most of the Wildlife Protection Unit members are from the surrounding villages. It is vital to involve local people in conservation to build their appreciation and value of the amazing habitat in which they live and assist in the goals of these programs.
Since March 2010, some Wildlife Protection Units have been trained to work on reducing human-elephant conflict in the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem. About 140 Sumatran Elephants live in the area and conflict is usually limited to crop-raiding and the destruction of field huts by the elephants. However, occasionally serious conflicts occur and people and/or elephants are injured or killed. Since 2007, two people and at least 13 elephants have been killed.
The Wildlife Protection Units working on human-elephant conflict investigate these incidents and work with the villagers to develop solutions for keeping elephants away including crop-guarding patrols and effective elephant deterrents. A watchtower has also been constructed with the assistance of local farmers which makes it possible to survey a large area for elephants and other wildlife. The construction of the watchtower has also improved the relationship between the Wildlife Protection Units and the local people.
While the majority of the Wildlife Protection Units spend their time in the forest, the human-elephant conflict teams have a regular presence around human habitation. This means that illegal and/or alarming activities are frequently encountered and documented. This directly supports law enforcement and the work of the Wildlife Protection Units in protecting the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem.
Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action has provided more than $190,000 to the training of the Wildlife Protection Units and their operations including construction of ranger outposts, logistics hubs and a prosecution fund.
Please donate to Wildlife Conservation Action to support this important work.
* figures are as at January 2012
