BOS Nyaru Menteng Release News: Four Mother-Infant Orangutan Pairs Adapt Well in Batikap
On two consecutive days in August the BOS Foundation Nyaru Menteng team successfully released orangutans once again into the Bukit Batikap Conservation Forest, Central Kalimantan (read the profiles here: BOS Nyaru Menteng 11th Orangutan Release Candidate Profiles). Of the 19 orangutans released, eight were mother-infant units (four pairs).
The BOS post-release monitoring team reported in from Camp Totat Jalu in the Batikap Forest that after their reintroduction, the four mother-infant pairs have all adapted well. The mothers appear to be patiently protecting, caring and guiding their infants to build nests, climb trees, explore and forage for food in the forest.
Jambi and Jamartin
The BOS post-release monitoring (PRM) team have observed the mother-infant pair Jambi and Jamartin and reported that mother and son spent most of their time up in the trees. Jambi, who became very skilled at foraging during her rehabilitation period at Nyaru Menteng, was apparently enjoying her new environment and was spotted eating rattan shoots and forest fruits such as the lumuk, a kind of jackfruit.
Mawar and Mumpuni
Observing released orangutans can be quite challenging, as was the case with tracking Mawar and Mumpuni. The PRM team noted that 3-year-old Mumpuni would kiss-squeak whenever he saw a human approach, to indicate his displeasure. This was also a signal for Mawar, the mother, to move away through the trees as baby Mumpuni clung to her. This is how wild orangutans would behave upon seeing a person, so we are delighted with their reaction.
Meklies and Meklias
The team found Meklies and her baby, Meklias, playing up in a tree. At first, the team did not spot Meklies, so they thought the baby was playing all by himself. It took a couple of minutes for them to realize that mother Meklies was indeed nearby. After seeing our team, Meklias quickly returned to his mother, who was resting up in the same tree.
Sumeh and Sawung
Like Jambi, Mawar and Meklies, Sumeh is a good mother to her baby, Sawung. During observations, the pair spent a lot of time up in the trees, which is exactly where they should be.
It is fantastic to see that the released orangutans are adapting well to their new home in the forest. The team will continue in the new year to reintroduce orangutans from both rehabilitation centers – Nyaru Menteng and Samboja Lestari – back to their natural habitat. Through the reintroduction efforts we ask for all stakeholders to support and take real action in orangutan conservation, for the benefit of a sustainable future for this planet and all its living creatures.
Text and photos by: PRM Team at Camp Totat Jalu in Bukit Batikap Conservation Forest
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The Orangutans Need Your Help!
Please make a donation to BOS Nyaru Menteng today!
How Your Donation Helps:
- $5 allows BOS to buy food and milk for one orangutan during the journey to freedom
- $10 covers the costs of one vehicle transporting 4 cages from the center to the airport
- $50 can buy field equipment for one staff member for the year (bags, boots etc.)
- $350 allows BOS to buy GPS unit for tracking
- $500 allows BOS to buy 1 radio tracking implant or covers the costs of health tests and genetic tests for one orangutan
- $1000 covers the cost of air transport for one orangutan cage to the halfway transport point