Orangutan Reintroduction into the Bukit Baka - Bukit Raya National Park, Central Kalimantan

The purpose of this project is to successfully reintroduce ex-captive orangutans into the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National park in Central Kalimantan Indonesia, so that these apes will live freely without relying on support from people and without fearing persecution from people.

The objectives and associated activities include the following: (1) Prepare the site for reintroductions by establishing infrastructure and logistics, developing long-term plans and engaging with local community, by (a) implementing a community support team, to socialize the project, initiate community development, employ staff for the post-release monitoring team and contract services, (b) writing site specific SOPs for the transport of orangutans to the reintroduction site, the reintroduction process including a three-year spacing plan, post-release monitoring and health plan for all stages of the reintroduction and monitoring, and (c) constructing and equipping a simple basecamp with veterinary support facilities, communications facilities and means of transport, and cut a trail system in the forest to support post-release monitoring and associated research activities; (2) Reintroduce orangutans into Bukit Baka Raya National Park, by (a) selecting and preparing orangutans for reintroduction by assessing their behavior, conducting health tests and fitting a radio-tracking implant, and (b) transporting orangutans from Nyaru Menteng to TNBBBR and release into the wild; (3) Implement post-release monitoring, support and protection activities to ensure the long-term survival and proliferation of this new orangutan population, by (a) monitoring orangutans post-release to study their adaptation and enable intervention if necessary, (b) providing veterinary support post-release in case of ill-health or injury, and (c) developing long-term conservation planning with National Park and District Government.