Summary of Update from the Field: Sumatran Ranger Project:
The Sumatran Ranger Project (SRP) was established in 2016 to address the human-wildlife conflict along the Gunung Leuser National Park border in Sumatra. Through various initiatives, the project aims to protect wildlife, such as Sumatran tigers, orangutans, elephants, and sun bears. These include removing snares set for trapping wildlife, providing predator-proof livestock corrals, and supporting forest-edge communities. The rangers employed by SRP receive training and collaborate with other ranger teams in the area. The project emphasizes the involvement of the local community, as their support and involvement are crucial for long-term conservation efforts. Brevard Zoo supports SRP through its Quarters for a Conservation program, with funds for ranger salaries, predator-proof livestock corrals, camera traps, and drone batteries.
1. The Sumatran Ranger Project (SRP) was established in 2016 to support forest-edge communities and protect wildlife in the Gunung Leuser National Park.
2. The SRP aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict by removing snares, building predator-proof livestock corrals, and providing practical solutions to improve the quality of life for communities.
3. The project focuses on protecting endangered species like Sumatran tigers, orangutans, elephants, sun bears, and many others living in the biodiverse hotspot.
4. The rangers receive training and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills in wildlife conservation and conflict mitigation.
5. Involving the local community is crucial for the success of the project, as their support and participation are essential for long-term conservation efforts.
6. The funds from Brevard Zoo will contribute to ranger salaries, building additional predator-proof livestock corrals, purchasing camera traps, and obtaining drone batteries for monitoring and mitigating conflicts.
Update from the Field: Sumatran Ranger Project
Welcome to another installment of our “Updates from the Field” series, where we bring you insights into the incredible conservation projects that you are supporting through Brevard Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation program. Today, we have the privilege of discovering more about the Sumatran Ranger Project (SRP) and the impactful work they are doing to protect wildlife and mitigate human-wildlife conflict in the Gunung Leuser National Park.
Founded in 2016 by Amy Robbins, the Sumatran Ranger Project aims to provide long-term meaningful employment to locals living along the border of the park. These communities face significant human-wildlife conflict with limited government support. The SRP seeks to bridge this gap by empowering these forest-edge communities to live in harmony with wildlife while safeguarding their livelihoods.
The mission of the Sumatran Ranger Project is twofold. First, they work tirelessly to halt activities that pose threats to the environment and wildlife. One of their primary activities is removing snares set by locals to trap wildlife. While not illegal outside the National Park, these snares put critically endangered species like Sumatran tigers and Malayan sun bears at serious risk. By removing these snares and providing practical solutions such as building predator-proof livestock corrals, the SRP effectively reduces the need for retaliatory action against wildlife, thereby protecting both the animals and the livelihoods of the communities.
Second, the SRP is dedicated to supporting forest-edge communities in ways that benefit both people and the environment. They undertake various projects aimed at improving the quality of life for these communities. For example, they have renovated a rundown kindergarten and constructed a community bathroom, ensuring that children can safely bathe away from the presence of Sumatran elephants. By addressing the needs and desires of the locals, the project helps to foster a positive and sustainable connection between the community and the environment.
The Sumatran Ranger Project plays a vital role in protecting the incredible biodiversity found in the Gunung Leuser National Park. They work tirelessly to mitigate and prevent human-wildlife conflict involving various species, including Sumatran tigers, orangutans, elephants, sun bears, siamang and white-handed gibbons, hornbills, porcupines, leopard and marbled cats, pangolins, and many other through their efforts; they aim to reduce poaching and hunting of these species, preserving their populations for future generations.
The rangers undergo extensive training and professional development opportunities to effectively carry out their mission. Most have grown up in or around the forest, developing an intimate knowledge of the local ecosystem. Additionally, they receive training from other ranger teams in Sumatra, where they learn various methods of preventing and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. Attending conferences and workshops allows them to collaborate with other conservationists, enhancing their skills and knowledge in wildlife conservation.
One unique aspect of the Sumatran Ranger Project is its focus on involving the local community. The project recognizes that long-term conservation efforts would be futile without community support. Consequently, they work closely with the forest-edge communities, building relationships based on mutual trust and respect. The locals support the rangers by allowing them to patrol their privately owned land, while the project reciprocates by providing practical solutions to help the communities coexist with wildlife. By giving communities tools like mobile phones to request urgent assistance and donating noise deterrents, the project empowers landowners to undertake their mitigation efforts. Additionally, the SRP has built predator-proof livestock corrals, which initially faced skepticism from the communities but are now in high demand as they have effectively protected livestock and livelihoods from predation.
The support from Brevard Zoo and its visitors is instrumental in the success of the Sumatran Ranger Project. The funds received contribute to crucial aspects of their work, such as ranger salaries, building predator-proof livestock corrals, purchasing camera traps, and obtaining drone batteries for monitoring and mitigating conflicts. By supporting Brevard Zoo and participating in their Quarters for Conservation program, visitors directly impact the Sumatran ecosystem’s preservation and its incredible wildlife.
In conclusion, the Sumatran Ranger Project is a beacon of hope for wildlife and communities living on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park. They are establishing a harmonious relationship between people and nature through their dedicated efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, protect endangered species, and involve the local community in conservation initiatives. By visiting Brevard Zoo, you are experiencing the wonders of wildlife and contributing to the preservation of our natural world. Your support truly makes a difference!
