The Green Buffer of Gunung Leuser NP
For several years, we have been working through agreements with the local community of the Karo ethnic group.
Gunung Leuser Orangutan Heritage Area
North Sumatra, Indonesia
Discover Gunung Leuser National Park, where the world's largest flower blooms alongside Sumatran orangutans, tigers, and vibrant wildlife. A hidden paradise for ecotourism and conservation.
We are cover 5 locations on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park in Bahorok, the home of wildlife such as Orangutan, Tiger, Sunbear, Hornbill, Slow Lorys, many insects, reptiles and amphibians, and also amorphophalus titanium - an enormous flowering plant with the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world. The population of this area is a small community.
This is the home of The Karo, or Karonese people, most of whom rely on local sustainable resources for their own livelihoods. There is a program for ecotourism activities in the forest to see the wildlife and flowers. A local NGO focuses on nature conservation, education, habitat restoration and sustainable livelihood development.
Experiences
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Volunteers program at Gunung Leuser Orangutan Heritage Area
Our volunteers program are focused in 3 different activities all for wildlife protection.
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Trekking at Gunung Leuser Orangutan Heritage Area
On our treks we walk through the forest all day in search of these beautiful primates along with...
Species & habitat
This incredible area is one of the few pristine areas that exist,. It is home to critically endangered endemic species such as the Sumatran Orangutan and the Tiger, as well as the Siamang and White-handed Gibbons. It is also home to Hornbills, slow loris and Amorphophalus Titanium, the largest flower in the world.
Threats
Environmental degradation and climate change are the biggest challenges for this region. Extraction of natural resources has led to deforestation to grow monoculture plantations, the most damaging of which is the development of palm oil in the area. Currently, the production of palm oil in the surrounding area, poaching, and mineral extraction to produce cement threaten the ecosystem and local community.
Did you know?
- The Sumatran Orangutan is an Ape with 97% of its DNA identical to human beings.
- When it rains Sumatran Orangutans cover themselves with large leaves of a local plant that serve as an umbrella.
- Every evening Orangutans build a bed made of branches and leaves at the top of a ficus tree.
- Sumatran Orangutans like to eat ants as a source of protein. They use a thin stick and place it in an anthill to take several ants at the same time, as if it were a Moorish skewer!
- The Orangutan's daily intake of different fruits and flowers make it an essential pollinator in the jungle.
Supporters & assessors
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is assessed by a species or habitat expert from a reputable non-profit organisation or academic institution. The assessor represents a supporting organisation able to provide the advice, information, and contacts needed to complete the designation process.
Supported by World Animal Protection
