PEMULIHARAAN ORANG UTAN LIAR SABAH

Summary

This video highlights the urgent need to monitor and protect the endangered Bornean orangutans in Sabah. With forest fragmentation and encroachment by oil palm plantations, traditional methods of counting orangutans are no longer sufficient. The new survey leverages drone technology and thermal imagery to track orangutans, providing more accurate and efficient data. By combining biological surveys with social science approaches, the project aims to develop targeted conservation strategies. Collaborating with the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation, the initiative seeks to secure a sustainable future for orangutans while encouraging the palm oil industry to be part of the solution.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Sabah region is home to the endangered Bornean orangutans, whose population is in danger and requires careful monitoring.
• 🌳 A survey of orangutan populations in Sabah is crucial to understand their current numbers and distribution, particularly in fragmented and disturbed forests.
• 📊 25 years ago, a comprehensive orangutan survey was conducted in Sabah, but the landscape has significantly changed since then, necessitating a new survey.
• 📅 The new survey aims to determine not only how many orangutans remain, but also their locations, especially in oil palm plantations and other altered landscapes.
• 🚁 Drones with thermal imaging technology are now being used to survey orangutans more efficiently, particularly at night when they are resting in nests.
• 💡 Mixed biosocial methods are being used to gather data, combining biological surveys and social science approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of orangutan conservation.
• 💼 The data gathered will inform management strategies to protect orangutans, including targeted outreach campaigns and tailored landscape management solutions.
• 💰 Financial support from the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPCF) has been crucial in funding the survey and its related activities.
• 🔍 Key actions of the project include surveying orangutan nests in both protected and non-protected areas, collecting data in agricultural landscapes, and training stakeholders.
• 🌍 The orangutan population survey is part of the 2020-2029 Bornean Orangutan Action Plan, which aims to safeguard the species' future in Sabah's changing environment.

Q & A

Why is the orangutan population survey in Sabah important?

The orangutan population survey in Sabah is important to understand how many orangutans are left, where they are located, and the current state of their habitats. This information is critical for designing new management strategies to protect the species.

What has changed in the 25 years since the previous survey?

In the 25 years since the previous survey, the forest in Sabah has become more fragmented and disturbed, with orangutans increasingly found in oil palm landscapes. This shift in habitat requires updated knowledge on the orangutan population.

How is the new survey project different from traditional methods?

The new survey project utilizes drones and thermal imagery to directly count orangutans, especially at night when they are sleeping. This method is faster and more efficient than traditional ground surveys that rely on counting nests.

What is the significance of using mixed biosocial methods in this survey?

Using mixed biosocial methods allows the team to gather detailed information from both biological surveys and social science approaches. This comprehensive strategy helps document the conservation status of orangutans across various landscapes, including agricultural areas.

How does the data collected from this survey help conservation efforts?

The data collected will inform future actions such as developing targeted outreach campaigns and creating landscape management strategies. These efforts are aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by orangutan populations.

What role does the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPCF) play in this survey?

MPCF plays a crucial role by providing financial assistance and support for the orangutan population survey. Their contribution helps fund key actions, such as surveying nests and collecting data on orangutan populations.

What are some of the key actions supported by the MPCF funding?

Key actions supported by MPCF funding include surveying orangutan nests in key protected and non-protected areas, finalizing knowledge on the Kinabatangan orangutan population, and collecting data on conservation efforts in agricultural landscapes.

Why is the oil palm industry considered an important partner in orangutan conservation?

The oil palm industry is seen as an important partner because orangutans are increasingly found in oil palm concessions. By collaborating with the industry, conservation efforts can integrate better habitat management and protect orangutan populations.

What is the long-term goal of the orangutan population survey?

The long-term goal of the survey is to secure a thriving future for the orangutans of Sabah. This includes building capacity, providing training for relevant stakeholders, and ensuring the protection of orangutan habitats in both protected and agricultural landscapes.

What impact could the survey have on Sabah's orangutan conservation strategies?

The survey's findings will help refine orangutan conservation strategies, leading to more targeted management actions and greater cooperation with local stakeholders, including the palm oil industry. These strategies aim to safeguard the species' future in Sabah.