The Wildlife Authority (BBKSDA) in North Sumatra carried out an outreach activity to raise awareness of the urgency of protecting the most critically endangered great ape, “Tapanuli orangutan,” in the Batang Toru forest complex. The outreach activity took place in the villages of Marsada, Bulumario, Aek Nabara, and Luat Lombang.
During the outreach activity, the BKSDA team were assisted by Scorpion Wildlife Trade Monitoring Group (Scorpion Foundation). Together, the two organisations told the local people during informal meetings the importance of protecting the Tapanuli orangutan, which has the smallest population of the three species of great apes in Indonesia (the Tapanuli orangutan has an estimated population of 800 individuals, the Sumatran orangutan 13,830, and Bornean orangutan 51,350 individuals.)
During the outreach activity, the BKSDA and Scorpion also put up five sign boards to warn potential illegal poachers that capturing or keeping protected animals such as the Tapanuli orangutan can result in a prison sentence of up to five years in jail and a fine of approximate US$7,400.
Installation of warning sign board in Marsada village near Dolok Sipirok Nature Reserve in Sipirok. On the picture, Yasra Alfariza, Head of Tapanuli Orangutan Protection Unit (TOPU) of Scorpion Foundation is holding the warning sign board in Marsada village near Dolok Sipirok Nature Reserve.
Sign board in Luat Lombang village.
Sign board in Aek Nabara village near Dolok Sibualbuali Nature Reserve.
Sign board in Bulumario village.
Sign board in Marsada village.
Outreach team from BKSDA and Scorpion.
A snapshot of the forest of Dolok Sibual-buali Nature Reserve in Batang Toru forest complex.
