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Photo Courtesy of
Perry van Duijnhoven |
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Photo Courtesy of
Perry van Duijnhoven |
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The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme (SOCP) and Dr. Ian Singleton are directing a new orangutan research site in an area known as the West Batang Toru Forest Block in Sumatra. Singleton estimates 400 to 600 orangutans live in this area. Of the 13 identified orangutan populations in Sumatra, only seven are estimated at 250 or more individuals and only four at over 500 individuals. This means West Batang Toru is one of very few remaining populations with a high probability of survival under good management. It is also the only potentially viable population wholly within North Sumatra province and represents a possibly unique orangutan population on the island, since years of geographical isolation may have led to distinctive genetic and/or cultural traits.
Great Ape Trust of Iowa has provided support for a field station and a more intensive survey of the orangutan population and the threats it faces. This in turn will allow more effective management and protection of the Sumatran orangutans, and will facilitate conservation-useful research on behavior and ecology.
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Great Ape Trust is certified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
