The aims of the Project
The primary goal of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme SOCP is the conservation of the Sumatran orangutan, a species currently listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN [International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources]. A recent workshop involving many orangutan experts from Indonesia and abroad concluded that a total of only around 7,000 Sumatran orangutans remain, in increasingly fragmented forest patches. Even more worrying is the fact that only 3 of these forest fragments still contain over 1,000 individual orangutans! To achieve its aims SOCP is adopting a number of methods:
1. Quarantine and re-introduction
To achieve its goals SOCP has already established a purpose-built medical quarantine facility for confiscated ex-pet orangutans and has begun re-introducing the species to Bukit Tigapuluh National Park; a forest that hasnt had any orangutans for over 150 years but now has an entirely new, albeit still relatively small population.
2. Improving law enforcement
By providing facilities to receive confiscated and unwanted captive orangutans SOCP has already begun the process of improving law enforcement on the island. Many more illegal pet orangutans are now being reported and confiscated by the authorities than were being during previous years.
3. Educating the public
SOCP has recently begun developing an education and awareness programme aimed at getting the conservation message across to the public. Children [tomorrows decision makers] are one target of the programme but more importantly, SOCP is targeting adults [todays decision makers] in cities, towns, and villages, especially near to remaining orangutan habitat.
4. Research and monitoring
In order to conserve the Sumatran orangutan it is imperative that we know as much about them as we can. SOCP has field staff permanently based at the well known Ketambe research station in Central Aceh, continuing important long-term field studies of the Ketambe orangutan population that have now been ongoing for over 30 years! SOCP is also a leading player in surveys and monitoring of the species decline on the island and much of what is now known about remaining numbers and their distribution has been determined by SOCP staff and colleagues.
5. Habitat protection
Conserving habitat is a huge challenge in Indonesia these days but SOCP is actively involved in several initiatives to expand the area under protection and improve protection in locations that are already designated as conservation areas.