Bornean Orang-utan (Pongo pygmaeus morio)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 1025946

Hutan is grassroots non-profit organization working to conserve orang-utan populations and the orang-utan habitat in the forests of Sabah. Hutan was founded in 1996 by two primotologists- Drs Isabelle Lackman-Ancrenaz and Marc Ancrenaz- in order to establish the “Kinabatangan Orang-Utan Conservation Program” (KOCP) in Sabah, Malaysia. This project was created and developed in partnership with the Sabah wildlife Department and the indigenous community. In 1998, we built a small conservation center in the village of Sukau in the heart of the Kinabatangan wetlands in eastern Sabah(Map 1). In addition, Hutan is active throughout Sabah,in commercial forest reserves and habitats that are home to orang-utans. We are also collaborating with several conservation projects that are operating in Kalimantan (Indonesian part of Borneo island). Over the past ten years, we have develop an inyegrated approach combining scientific research, policy formulation,community engagement, education and capacity building. We extensively investigated the curret status of the orang-utan, the elephant and other iconic species in Sabah and acquired a good understanding of the intricate cycle of cause and effect precipitating the extinction of these species.Our findings have been used to develop and implement sound and efficient conservation strategies for the Kinabatangan region and whole of Sabah. Strategically,we place a high priority on the intensive training of our local staff and of park rangers to conduct high quality research and conservation activities. Today, our team is composed of 45 highly skilled staff hailing from the native community, working immense dedication in close collaboration with an effective network of Sabahan partners including governments agencies, NGOs and research institutions as well as private stakeholders. We are now working a wide range of partners-local communities, research institutions, government agencies and the private sector- to find realistic solutions where the sustainable use of natural resources and durable socio-economic development can be compatible with,and even support, the conservation of wildlife and their habitat. Our long-term goals include Goal 1. Enhanced scientific knowledge of orang-utan ecology and conservation status Goal 2. Improved policy framework for orang-utan population management within and outside of protected areas Goal 3. Reduced level of conflicts between human activities and wildlife Goal 4. Enhanced community engagement in the conservation of the orang-utan and their habitat Goal 5. Enhanced human resource capacity and commitment to manage and conserve orang-utan populations in Sabah These goals will be achieved through the following objectives: Current orang-utan and elephant populations and area of viable habitat in Sabah are maintained and connected, 100% of the Sabah orang-utans live within protected areas or in secure and sustainably managed forests, Poaching is no longer a threat to orang-utan populations in Sabah Economic development in areas encompassing orang-utan habitat is compatible with the conservation of the orang-utan.