Archive for the ‘orangutan’ Category

Nov
22

Well, I am still alive, and in Borneo

Posted by in Borneo,Carnivores,Conservation,Featured,Field Research,orangutan

Forest Leech

Houston Zoo Carnivore Supervisor, Kevin Hodge is part of an effort to assist the Borneo Clouded Leopard Project (BCLP) in Sabah, Malaysia. This is his second update from the field which has limited internet access but seems to have plenty of forest leeches.

Let me interject here for Kevin that he ends his email with “All and all things are going great!”

I went out on what was supposed to be a 3 night camping trip that turned in to 5 days and 4 nights.  My legs are covered with leech sores and my feet are swollen.  I had hundreds of leeches on me one day but if you took time to pull them off more would just climb on you so I would wait until they filled with blood and squeeze them until the ruptured. I also have had a few ticks on me which are worse than the leeches.

Banded Palm Civet

We went high in to the mountains and saw a lot of hunter’s camps and notified the Sabah Wildlife department which is starting to go out with us to destroy the camps.  We have 1 male clouded leopard on the camera traps so far, a marbled cat, hoses’s civet, malay civet, grey leafed monkey, linsang, banded palm civet, bearded pig, pitta, pig tailed macaque, mongoose, moon rats, tree shrews and the malayan giant squirrel.  So we are pretty pumped up that there are clouded leopards here.  We also caught a few hunters and their dogs on camera. 

Our camping diet consists of rice, sardines, ramen noodles and corned beef every day with coffee in the morning.  It was very cold at night and after falling and floating down stream in the river my sleeping bag and tent were wet so I froze a few nights and almost fell off a cliff on another occasion. (Remember – “All and all things are going great!”)

My legs are getting stronger but the altitude still presents a problem for me on the uphill ascents.  The adidas kampung shoes they recommended for me (these are like soccer shoes with rounded cleats) to wear has good traction on the slippery soil but not on rocks and with out any type of support my feet are in terrible shape. I noticed that the local people that we work with have feet that are the same length as mine but twice as thick and twice as wide with no arch which works better on this terrain apparently. We have off today and tomorrow to rest up in Kota Kinabalu then I go out for another camping trip. All and all things are going great!

 

Bornean Bearded Pig

 

Some background on the Crocker Range in Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Sabah by the way is one of the 13 Malaysian states. 11 are on Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak are on Borneo.

The Crocker Range separates the east coast and west coast of Sabah. At an average height of 1800m, it is the highest mountain range in Sabah. Mount Kinabalu (at 13,000 feet), which is one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia, is part of this range. Part of the range, has been gazetted for protection as Crocker Range National Park since 1984. The area surrounding Mount Kinabalu has been a national park since 1964 and was the country’s first World Heritage Site.

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Nov
21

Houston Zoo’s Carnivore Supervisor, Kevin Hodge in Borneo

Posted by in Borneo,Carnivores,Conservation,Endangered Species,Featured,Field Research,orangutan,Uncategorized

Houston Zoo Carnivore Supervisor, Kevin Hodge is part of an effort to assist the Borneo Clouded Leopard Project (BCLP) in Sabah, Malaysia. Very limited data exists regarding Bornean felids in higher altitude areas, they will be deploying camera traps in the hills and lower Montane forests of Sabah’s Crocker Range National Park. BCLP has developed a research approach primarily focused around multiple 6-month camera trap surveys designed to estimate clouded leopard densities and felid community structure in areas of forest exposed to different management strategies.  

Camera trap photo of Clouded Leopard in Kinabatangan floodplain. This is what the project is hoping to find in the Crocker Mountain Range

Kevin is in Borneo now, enjoy his description of his first few days with the project.

So, I discovered today I am clearly out of shape.  Just for reference, Crocker is nearly 6,000 feet above sea level – Houston is 50 feet above sea level. Therefore my body has not figured out the 5,950 foot difference just yet.

Our group split in to two groups; one went on a three day hike and ours did just one long day. We set up two camera traps and cleared some forest trails to funnel animals towards it. We only went a total of about 5k if you were to measure in a straight line but with going up and down mountains repeatedly my legs and lungs will argue that it was much more.  I pulled 36 leeches off of me this evening and my pant legs were pink from the blood.  Hopefully I will acclimate to this altitude soon so I don’t slow the group down too much.  We saw a rhinoceros hornbill and we heard orangutans, argus pheasant, and sambar deer.  They have only seen 4 mammals total up in this region on this project so far so things are much more difficult to find than in the Kinabatagan River floodplain where animals are drawn to the open spaces near the river. Does not mean they are not here, just much harder to see and the wildlife are not as accustomed to seeing people wandering around their forests.  We also came across a hunters poaching camp and we went to talk with them but they we’re not there.  We are having trouble with the hunters stealing some of the camera traps which is unfortunately common on some projects, even a past effort I was part of in Texas in the Big Thicket. Otherwise all is great, just waiting on my body to catch up. More to come from Crocker National Park in Sabah, Malaysia…

To learn more about the Houston Zoo’s efforts in Borneo – link here

For more on the Bornean Clouded Leopard Programme – link here

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Jul
29

Special Shelled Ones in the Orangutan Moat at the Houston Zoo- Come See!

Posted by in Borneo,Conservation,Endangered Species,orangutan,What You Can Do

Orangutans are big, orange, hairy, very endangered and unbelievably adorable. I know it’s really hard to look at anything else when you are looking at their big and fantastic ape faces. However, the next time you visit the Houston Zoo, I suggest that you take a second or two to peer down into the orangutan moat…look past the puckering Koi, and keep your eye out for little (and not so little) reptilian heads popping out of the water now and again.

If you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one of these little heads…you may have just seen some of the most endangered turtles in the world. One of which is on the TOP 25 most endangered turtles in the world! This turtles name is the Painted Terrapin, he is one of the most colorful turtles in South East Asia and in some areas is actually referred to as the Watermelon terrapin because in the breeding season they actually look like the colors of a watermelon! Males in breeding color also get pale white faces with a red stripe on the top of their head. This beautiful species is close to extinct in the wild because the eggs are relished as a delicacy and their meat is in demand as well.

Here is a picture of our Painted Terrapin accepting a monkey biscuit (their favorite treat) from Primate Keeper Tammy! She loves these turtles!

Painted Terrapin eating biscuit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Painter Terrapin Swimming

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another rare and beautiful turtle that is currently residing in the Orangutan moat is the Giant Malaysian River Turtle, Orlitia borneensis. This is personally one of my favorites. This gigantic and shy turtle is also becoming increasingly exploited for their meat in Southeast Asia and was recently up listed to critically endangered by the IUCN.

Giant River Turtle With Mouth Covered in Biscuits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peeking out of the Water, So Shy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many turtle species in Asia are suffering shocking declines due to decades of illegal and unsustainable harvest. In addition to habitat loss, these animals are relentlessly collected and trafficked for the pet trade, consumption and medicinal purposes. The Houston Zoo is currently assessing how we may work with our partners in Malaysian Borneo to incorporate turtle research and conservation in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Our partners are already supporting research and conservation efforts for charismatic animals like the Asian elephant and the Orangutan, and now they would like to set their sights on endangered reptiles and amphibians as well. More to come on these efforts so stay tuned!

You can help Southeast Asian turtles by NEVER eating or buying turtle meat, eggs or products when you are traveling overseas.

Feb
17

Houston Zoo Wildlife Conservation is on Facebook!

Posted by in Africa,amphibians,Attwater's Prairie Chicken,Black bears,Borneo,Carnivores,Chimpanzee,community-based conservation,Conservation,Elephant,Endangered Species,Field Research,Galapagos,Going Green,Gorilla,orangutan,Painted Dog,Panama,Rhino,Travel

 

Booming chickens on prairies and adventures to find bear hair in the Big Thicket. Leech infested forests? Monsoons? Leg swallowing mud and Sea Gull poo? Wild Orangutans that use bridges and toads with implants.  Confused? Don’t be. Join us and interact with local and global conservation on our new Houston Zoo Conservation Facebook page. Keep up with the conservation department and our partners in the field, and don’t forget to comment along the way!

Link here and follow along: http://www.facebook.com/#!/houstonzooconservation

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Feb
07

Valentines Day Candy

Posted by in Conservation,Elephant,Endangered Species,orangutan

How is this related to Wildlife Conservation – really? Yes, there is a method and message, to our madness…

Palm Oil and The Great Chocolate Debate. It can help save the lives of Orangutans and many other species living on Borneo and Sumatra. Palm oil is a form of edible vegetable oil produced from the African oil plam tree (Elaeis guineensis) which has been planted on plantations throughout Malaysia and Indonesia, home to some of the world’s most endangered wildlife. These plantations replace tropical rainforest acreage in staggering numbers.

Rainforest? No. Palm Oil Plantation? Yes.

What we are asking you to do is to be a responsible consumer and purchase products from companies which either do not use palm oil or are part of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm oil. You can do that by taking a quick look at this Orangutan Friendly Palm Oil Valentine Guide.

To learn more about the issues facing wildlife and palm oil just link here.

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Dec
14

Zoos Unite to Save Endangered Apes Part 2

Posted by in Africa,Borneo,Chimpanzee,Conservation,Endangered Species,Field Research,Gorilla,orangutan

Yesterday we highlighted the Ape Conservation Initiative so today we would like to show you who the zoo association funds will support:

The following projects were funded by the Ape TAG Conservation Initiative with a total of $411,250:

1) Establishment of a National Chimpanzee Disease and Health Monitoring Programme based at Budongo Conservation Field Station, Uganda

2) The Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity Initiative: Preserving the bonobo (Pan paniscus) in the Salonga National Park through holistic conservation, Democratic Republic of Congo

3) Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade in Central Africa, The Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA); Cameroon

4) Protection and monitoring of Grauer’s gorillas, Gorilla beringei graueri, in the lowland sectors of Kahuzi Beiga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

5) Assessing chances of survival of the orang-utan in man-made landscape: the future of the species? Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

6) Ketambe Reforestation and Ecotourism Development Initiative (KREDI), Orangutan Information Centre (OIC); Sumatra, Indonesia

7) Long-term ecological research and conservation of Cao Vit gibbon in China

8) Population mapping of gibbons Kalimantan, Indonesia: Correlates of gibbon density and vegetation across the species range, Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project and Wildlife Conservation Research Unit; Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo

In addition to the eight projects, a percentage of the funds are dedicated for ape sanctuaries in Africa and Asia.  Sanctuaries play an important role in ape conservation, particularly through their efforts in law enforcement and conservation education.

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Dec
13

Zoos Unite to Save Endangered Apes Part 1

Posted by in Africa,Chimpanzee,community-based conservation,Conservation,Endangered Species,Featured,Field Research,Gorilla,orangutan

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Ape Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) today announced a critical new campaign to sustain a future for one of the planet’s most imperiled group of animals— apes.

For apes—bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, gibbons and siamangs—the outlook in the wild is bleak. Given catastrophic population declines, it is estimated that some ape species will be extinct within 20 years. The Ape TAG Conservation Initiative, supported by nearly 40 zoos, will fund 8 field conservation projects, one for each of the great ape species and two for gibbons and siamangs.

“As leaders in wildlife conservation, AZA-accredited zoos are dedicated to the protection of these intelligent and charismatic animals,” said Dr. Tara Stoinski, Ape TAG chair. “The Ape TAG Conservation Initiative will elevate the role of zoos in the international conservation community.”

The Arcus Foundation, a leading great ape conservation philanthropic organization, provided a generous matching grant to the funds c ontributed by zoos to the Initiative. Participating zoos have committed to a minimum of three years of support, which is critical for conservation projects to be effective in saving these species.

The 8 projects were selected by an international committee of Ape TAG and AZA members as well as outside ape conservation experts. The Initiative increases the number of zoos contributing to projects in the wild, strengthens support for community education and local law enforcement in countries with wild apes, and provides zoos with resources to demonstrate their commitment to saving apes.

“We are pleased that the AZA community is supporting field projects such as ours,” said Dr. Marc Ancrenaz, director of The Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Program, and principle investigator of one of the projects awarded funds by the Initative. “The problems faced by wild populations of great apes are complex and because of this, zoos have an increasingly important role to play.”

For more on Houston Zoo’s efforts to protect Apes in Africa: http://www.houstonzoo.org/the-future-of-ape-conservation/

For more on Houston Zoo’s Bornean Orangutan project: http://www.houstonzoo.org/bornean-orangutan-conservation/

Nov
09

Spotlight on Species: Orangutan Caring Weekend

Posted by in Borneo,Conservation,Endangered Species,Field Research,orangutan

Thank You for Participating in International Orangutan Caring Weekend!

Congratulations on your role in a very successful fundraiser!  We are happy to report that this year’s International Orangutan Caring Weekend was attended by 3,366 people.  Through the generosity of our donors and guests and the hard work of the employees, volunteers, and docents of the Houston Zoo, $1,915.00 was raised!

Ornaments painted by the orangs

All the proceeds from the fundraising items produced by the orangutans, elephants, siamangs, and clouded leopards for orangutans, elephants, siamangs, and clouded leopard will go to fund the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project.  The animals of the Houston Zoo have worked hard to produce these items.  Their keepers are striving to make this project work, expanding the scope of their animal care beyond the collection of the Houston Zoo.  Thank you for joining us in supporting the scientists, rangers, and teachers who have dedicated their lives to the long-term survival of the orangutans and elephants of Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

Spotlight on Species

Thank you so much for you part in helping Houston Zoo orangutans help wild orangutans, Houston Zoo elephants help wild elephants, Houston Zoo siamangs help wild siamangs, and Houston Zoo clouded leopards help wild leopards! We hope that you are proud of your contribution to conserving space for wild animals and will continue to support this project.

Sincerely,
The Houston Zoo Primate Staff

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Nov
01

Help Orangutans in the Wild by Coming to the Houston Zoo Next Weekend

Posted by in Borneo,Conservation,Endangered Species,Field Research,orangutan

Life on Earth is not evenly spread around our planet.  Borneo-the world’s third largest island- is one of its richest treasure-houses, full of an immense variety of wild animals and plants, all living in a magnificent tropical forest.

A single, vast, unbroken area of this forest still cloaks the mountains, foothills and adjacent lowlands that stretch along the inland borders of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia.  This is the Heart of Borneo; and all of us who value life on this planet should support the efforts to conserve it.


Orangutan Conservation

Ten thousand years ago, orangutans were found throughout Southeast Asia and into southern China.  Scientists believe their populations numbered in the hundreds of thousands.  Today orangutans are only found in their last strongholds on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.  Due to habitat encroachment and illegal logging, the wild population of orangutans is estimated to have diminished in the past decade by as much as 50 percent.  Today, orangutans are critically endangered.  Optimistic estimates place the current population between 15,000 and 25,000.  One of man’s closest relatives, the orangutan could go extinct in the wild if the destruction of their habitat continues at the current rate. 

 

Please Join us in Participating in Conservation

On November 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, join the Houston Zoo’s primate staff, volunteers and docents to celebrate all things orangutan!  There will be primate related gifts and crafts for sale, and all proceeds will go back to the wild orangutans. 

 Written by, Primate Keeper, Tammy Buhrmester

 

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Oct
26

Vote for Wildlife!

Posted by in Borneo,Conservation,Endangered Species,Field Research,orangutan,Rhino

Your Vote for Wildlife can make a difference – the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund allows the public to choose projects to be funded by their conservation program. They offer you their top 6 picks and the three with most votes will be awarded funding.

Seems simple enough. Just go to this website to view the proposals: http://www.zooboise.org/zbcfprojects.aspx

Two of six listed are also projects supported by your very own Houston Zoo. Both Finalist #2, the International Rhino Foundation, and Finalist #3, The Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project, have been conservation partners of the Houston Zoo for many years and could use your vote to secure critical funding for their wildlife conservation programs.

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