PONDOK AMBUNG RESEARCH STATION

Pondok Ambung Tropical Forest Research Station is run by the Orangutan Foundation in partnership with the Tanjung Puting National Park Agency. It is located on the Sekonyer Kanan River within the National Park, which is one of the largest protected areas of tropical peat swamp and heath forest in Southeast Asia.

Our research

The research team monitors species in the National Park to provide a better understanding of the local biodiversity. Through this work, the presence of clouded leopards and tarsiers are known - two species which are notoriously difficult to study. Other recorded species include orangutans, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, kingfishers, Tomi stoma crocodiles, black softshell turtles and sun bears.

SURVEYS AND CAMERA TRAPS

The majority of research is conducted through surveys and camera traps. These provide data which can be analysed to better understand the species in the National Park, many of which are rare or nocturnal so other wise difficult to observe. The National Park uses these insights to direct strategic management decisions to better conserve the local biodiversity.

Tarsier SURVEYS

Tarsiers are a small, nocturnal primate with large eyes and are the only carnivorous primate in the world. Bornean tarsiers are endemic to the island and are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and being captured for the pet trade.

Tarsiers are routinely monitored every month to provide information on the population size and distribution. Monitoring is carried out by the team in the late hours of the evening and early hours of the morning due to the tarsier’s nocturnal lifestyle. This data informs supports the National Park in making strategic conservation decisions to better protect the species.

Proboscis monkey SURVEYS

Proboscis monkeys, endemic to Borneo, are endangered due to habitat loss. The National Park is a hotspot for the species, so they are a conservation priority. We assist in annual population surveys to provide data to inform conservation management decisions.

Research grants

Orangutan Foundation offers four annual grants to Indonesian students for research focused on tropical ecology. If you are interested in funding one of our research grants or helping us purchase much needed equipment - please get in touch!