The Scorpion Foundation held a socialisation program to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the Tapanuli orangutan. The event was attended by 35 members of the community in a meeting that took place at Muara Huta Raja Village, Muara Batang Toru on Saturday, 25th August 2018.
During this meeting, Gunung Gea from Scorpion Foundation gave information about the newly discovered species of orangutan - Tapanuli orangutan - in the area, with a population of around 800 orangutans in the Batang Toru Ecosystem.
Mr Gea also explained the critical status of this endangered great ape and called on the community to avoid any activities that might harm the population, including capturing, keeping, or trading of the Tapanuli orangutan. He explained that along with the threat to the Tapanuli orangutan population, these activites can also receive prison sentences of up to five years, with a fine of 100 million rupiah (about US$7,000).
During the meeting, participants expressed their willingness to support protection of Tapanuli orangutans.
Sub-district head of Muara Batang Toru talking to his community at the socialisation activity asking to support protection of Tapanuli orangutan and the Batang Toru Ecosystem.
Secretary of Muara Batang Toru sub-district called on his community to avoid violation of law protecting the wildlife.
Participants of the socialization programme.
Participants.
Participants.
Participants.
Participants
A participant of the socialisation programme expressed support for protection of Tapanuli orangutan.
One of the participants listening to the presentation of the Tapanuli orangutan.
Habitat of Tapanuli orangutan in South Tapanuli.
Participants of the socialisation event holding banners in front of the office of Huta Raja village.
Gunung Gea (Scorpion) giving information about Tapanuli orangutan.
Participants.
A participant holding a banner of appeal to save Tapanuli orangutan.
