Why volunteer with us?

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1 Orangutan Tropiicall Peatlland Projject VOLUNTEERS 2015

2 What is OuTrop? The Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project (OuTrop) is a not for profit conservation and research organisation. We work to protect some of the most important areas of tropical rainforest in Borneo, including the Sabangau Forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. We monitor the distribution, population status, behaviour and ecology of the forest s flagship ape species; the endangered orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and southern Bornean gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis). We also carry out biodiversity and forestry research, provide scientific feedback to conservation managers, training to local conservation practitioners and researchers, and work with our local partners to implement successful conservation projects. Our earliest work identified the Sabangau Forest as home to the largest orangutan population in the world, bringing the region to the forefront of orangutan conservation efforts. This resulted in the forest gaining protected area status in We work in partnership with the Indonesian NGO, the Centre for International Cooperation for Sustainable Management of Tropical Peatland (CIMTROP), based at the University of Palangka Raya, Indonesia. Through this partnership we empower Indonesian conservationists by supporting community led conservation activities (including a Forest Patrol Unit and Fire fighting Team), environmental education programmes, habitat restoration and developing sustainable livelihoods. As a direct result of these programmes we successfully helped to put an end to illegal logging in 2004 and we continue to support locally led efforts to protect and restore the area. Our research and volunteer programmes have been running since 2001 and are a focus for local conservation efforts, providing much needed employment, financial benefits for the local community and replacing illegal logging as the main activity and source of income in the northern Sabangau Forest.

3 Why volunteer with us? We run a long term research programme in which we monitor: the behaviour, distribution, density and ecology of orangutans, gibbons and red langurs; biodiversity; and forest structure, productivity, regeneration and disturbance in the Sabangau Forest. Satellite camps are positioned throughout northern Sabangau where we collect data to assess trends in condition of the forest and its wildlife. The results provide feedback on forest condition, allow us to report on any issues and assess the effectiveness of conservation activities. This is a lot of work and we couldn t do it without the help of volunteers. We need intelligent, fit, enthusiastic individuals to join our team and help us collect these vital data. In return we offer a challenging, exciting and educational six week experience of field research and conservation in the Bornean rainforest. Volunteers gain a wide variety of skills from navigation to field ecology and surveying techniques, to peat swamp forest restoration approaches. We offer a window into a career in conservation biology and an unforgettable experience! Many of our past volunteers now work in conservation or related fields.

4 Where will you be based? You will be based in the Sabangau Forest. 580,000 hectares of peat swamp, the largest single area of lowland rainforest remaining in Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). Peat swamp forests are remarkably diverse and home to over 30% of the remaining population of wild orangutans in Borneo. Peat formed here, under waterlogged conditions, through the incomplete breakdown of organic matter dead leaves, branches and trees and this has built up over many thousands of years to form a thick peat layer up to 18m deep in places. Standing atop the peat is a rich tropical rainforest, with a huge diversity of plant life, including large timber trees, such as ramin and swamp meranti, a wide variety of pitcher plants and sustainable commercial species, such as rattan and rubber trees. Nine species of primate, including the orangutan and agile gibbon, are found in peat swamp forests in Borneo; other notable animal life includes the sun bear, bearded pig, clouded leopard, sambar deer, civets, treeshrews, water monitors, pythons, over 200 species of bird including the rhinoceros hornbill, Wallace s hawk eagle and the endemic Bornean bristlehead; and a large and diverse invertebrate community. Our Sabangau base camp is sited just inside the edge of the forest approximately one hour by car, boat and small train from the provincial capital of Palangka Raya. Facilities here are basic, but comfortable, including accommodation in purpose built dormitory huts, washing and toilet facilities, office and laboratory, kitchen, drinking water and cooks. We have a network of trails and permanent study plots inside the forest. We also carry out research at satellite camps in the heart of the jungle, where we camp in basic huts for up to a week at a time.

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6 What will you experience? Research and conservation projects Volunteers undertake a range of biodiversity surveying and monitoring. Training on all techniques and survey methods will provided at the start of the programme. OuTrop staff will deliver regular talks and organise activities throughout the six weeks to help volunteers gain an in depth understanding of our projects. We have three long term primate behaviour projects (orangutan, southern Bornean gibbon and red langur). Volunteers have the opportunity to join our field staff and observe how behavioural data is recorded during a follow. Depending on on going student projects at the time, volunteers may also have the opportunity to assist with data collection in other areas of research not listed here. Volunteers will assist with the following long term research and conservation projects: Orangutan, red langur and gibbon population density surveys Camera trap project Invertebrate and vertebrate species surveys such as sun bears, butterflies, birds and turtles Habitat structure and forestry research. Involves establishing and measuring tree plots and taking data on fruiting patterns. Habitat restoration and reforestation project. Volunteers will help to manage the seedling nursery, plant saplings and monitor the techniques implemented. Volunteers go on expedition to a remote forest camp for a week or so, where they undertake biodiversity monitoring and research.

7 Sabangau tropical peatswamp forest: rough terrain, 35 degree heat, 100% humidity, knee-deep water... without a doubt one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences of my life Hugo Palejowski, 2013 OuTrop volunteer Environment and climate Indonesia is situated on the equator, and therefore has a tropical climate consisting of a wet and dry season. In Borneo, the wet season is usually October to April, and the dry season May to September. The dry season is usually (but not exclusively) a little hotter than the wet season, and obviously not as wet. Both the wet season and the dry season can last longer than expected. Sudden downpours and tropical storms are to be expected. The Sabangau Forest is a peat swamp forest, making it very different to a dryland rainforest. It can be extremely wet, and during the wet season it is flooded the standing water can be waist deep in many places. Hummocks, tree roots and hidden holes mean that walking can be extremely hard work. Falling over is something of a rite of passage. On top of this the humidity and temperatures are very high. Typical daytime shade temperatures are 32ºC at base camp or in the towns and 27ºC in the jungle. In the late evenings the temperature can drop by up to 7ºC in the forest, so it can feel quite cool compared to town. To move around the forest some sections have single plank boardwalks, which may be slippery or broken in some places. The rest of the time is spent walking through the forest itself, which can be very muddy or wet. This makes it a rewarding, yet challenging environment. It is essential that you are physically and mentally fit and able to cope in such terrain. Hazards and risks in the forest range from mosquitoes, tree stilt roots through to poisonous snakes, spiders and scorpions. Before you start assisting with the work, you will have an induction to the forest and training. All of our inductions will be carried out in English so you must have a good working knowledge of the English language for health and safety purposes.

8 Ok, so I want to volunteer with OuTrop. What s next? We will run three six week groups during 2015: Group 1: Tuesday 23 rd June Monday 3 rd August Group 2: Friday 7 th August Thursday 17 th September Group 3: Thursday 24 th September Wednesday 4 th November Costs: The cost to volunteer for six weeks is Please note that this does not cover all travel expenses. To apply to join as a volunteer, please download and complete an application form, which you can find at: E mail the completed form to info@outrop.com and pay your deposit by bank transfer (details are on the form). We will contact you to confirm we have received your application and send you confirmation of whether you have been accepted shortly after receipt. The fee covers accommodation in Palangkaraya, airport pick up, transport to and from camp, use and maintenance of base camp and facilities (including electricity, food, cooks, equipment and medical supplies), Indonesian field assistants, travel to remote survey sites, visa and immigration fees, and a trip to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS) Orangutan Reintroduction Centre at Nyaru Menteng. The fee also includes an important contribution to the long term conservation work of OuTrop and our partners, CIMTROP, to support their Forest Patrol Unit and Fire fighting Teams. Costs you will also need to cover include international and internal airfares, and travel insurance (see the application form for details on this). Day to day costs are typically small and may include drinks, snacks and souvenirs. Please us with any questions at info@outrop.com or for further information please visit: OuTrop website Blog You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter (search for OuTrop Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project )

9 Photo credits: Bernat Ripoll Capilla; Anna Triggol; Suzanne Turnock; Emily Waddell; Andrew Walmsley. The Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project 91 Jalan Semeru, Bukit Hindu, Palangka Raya 3112 Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia E mail: info@outrop.com Tel: +62 (0) facebook.com/outrop