Sumatran Ranger Project

Several nights ago, our team responded to a local request for assistance following the depredation of livestock by a Sumatran tiger. After informing the appropriate authorities, our rangers, in collaboration with community members, employed various acoustic deterrents to repel the tiger and discourage its return. Given that tigers often cache their prey and revisit the site for feeding, it is crucial to dispose of the remains, which was accomplished through incineration. This week, we have partnered with .conservation to construct a predator-proof livestock corral for a community that has experienced similar human-tiger conflicts.

Yesterday, we reported on a severely injured bull elephant from the herd we monitor. The elephant exhibited significant lameness in its left hind leg and was discovered in evident distress. Our team promptly contacted government authorities, who responded with commendable speed. Upon sedation and assessment, the elephant was found to have multiple large gore wounds, most likely sustained from the dominant bull elephant in the vicinity. All wounds were infected and purulent, indicating a prolonged period of severe discomfort. Veterinarians meticulously flushed and treated the wounds amd administered antibiotics. Our team will maintain a continuous presence to closely monitor Ogut, as we have affectionately named him. We are collaborating with the authorities to determine the optimal course of action and will remain with him until his condition improves, providing all necessary support.

At this critical time, your assistance is more vital than ever in safeguarding Ogut and his herd. Our dedicated team is working tirelessly, prioritizing his well-being above personal and patrol commitments. This intensive effort is in addition to our regular monthly patrols, and we welcome any support to sustain this level of monitoring and care. We will provide updates as they become available. We encourage you to extend your positive thoughts and healing wishes to Ogut. Sumatran elephants are critically endangered, and each individual is invaluable. We are committed to doing everything within our capacity and jurisdiction, in collaboration with government authorities, to aid his recovery.

This video features Head Ranger Jasson providing an explanation of Ogut's condition while the elephant is sedated, which facilitated his close proximity. Ogut is a wild elephant that has not undergone capture or habituation.

Link in bio to help us help Ogut.

For two years we collected the seeds of wild forest trees and fruit trees and grew them into seedlings. We've been taking care of them until they reach a size suitable for planting, and donating them to land owners and communities along the forest edge.

Bringing you our scheduled monthly macaque camera interference program.

Recently our rangers were urgently called to assist government authorities BKSDA (Centre for Natural Resources Conservation) and TNGL (National Park authority) with a conflict event involving three Sumatran elephants coming into a community and destroying trees and buildings. Together with the authorities they were able to successfully relocate the elephants back to the National Park using noise deterrents, preventing further damage and avoiding retaliatory action against the elephants - a common occurrence along the forest edge when livelihoods amd safety are jeopardized. We are grateful to these organisations for the opportunity to utilize our expertise outside of our usual patrol areas, and provide a safe outcome for the community and the elephants.

Elephants can hear even the smallest of sounds. This (very muddy) mature bull pauses in front of the trail camera, likely after hearing the faint click of the camera's lens. Even though their hearing is exceptional, their eyesight is not nearly as strong. Lucky for us, getting a good look at something requires him to get nice and close!

Camera traps are an effective, noninvasive tool that allow the Sumatran Rangers to collect valuable behavioral data. By using these cameras, rangers can track monthly patterns and trends in how wild Sumatran elephants move along the border of the Gunung Leuser National Park, without disturbing the animals.

By understanding these trends, the Sumatran Ranger Project can better support the people who live near these elephant travel routes.

The snack redistribution program in full swing. Like all macaque species Pig-tailed macaques have well developed cheek pouches to allow them to gather food quickly and store it somewhat safely to eat without disturbance; particularly useful when resources are limited or competition is high. Or at least that's how it works in theory. Here we see one macaque saving time and helping themselves to another's stored snack - an efficient and genius way to score a quick meal!