TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As many as 12 orangutans from Nyaru Menteng are being transferred to Salat Island, Pulang Pisau District, where they will undergo the pre-release period as the final phase of their rehabilitation. This transfer is facilitated by the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) foundation who is collaborating with Central Kalimantan’s Natural Resources Conservation Center.
The pre-release island must feature an environment that replicates the forest habitat and must have enough natural food sources for the orangutans. “The island must be well-observed,” said the CEO of BOS Foundation, Jamartin Sihite, on Wednesday, April 5, 2017.
“The rehabilitation process can last up to seven years and must be conducted gradually, starting from baby school up to a number of other levels at the Forest School, which is similar to a regular school for the human. It can last up to seven years,” he said.
According to Jamartin, BOS Foundation hoped that they can transfer at least 100 orangutans from Nyaru Menteng to Salat Island throughout this year, considering that Nyaru Menteng is currently already over populated.
Currently, Nyaru Menteng can only accommodate around 300 orangutans, while the number of orangutans that is under a rehabilitation is 480 orangutans. A 100 of the number is ready for the final phase at the pre-release island.
“BOS Foundation partners with PT Sawit Sumbermas Sarana (SSMS) Tbk in managing the 2,100 hectares woodland located in Salat Island. BOS Foundation provided 655 hectares of the area and PT SSMS Tbk provided 1,434 hectares,” Jamartin said.
BOS Foundation has successfully released 250 orangutans to their natural habitat throughout 2012 – 2016.
ANTARA
