About Us

Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF, previously the Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project (OuTrop)) works to protect some of the most important areas of tropical rainforest in Borneo, including the peat swamps of Sabangau, home to the world's largest orangutan population. We monitor the behavioural ecology of the forest's flagship ape and cat species, carry out biodiversity and forestry research, and work with our local partners to develop conservation solutions and improve capacity for conservation in the region.

BNF’s biodiversity monitoring research is leading the field in tropical peat-swamp forest biodiversity studies in Kalimantan. Our records stretch back from 1995 and cover almost all major animal groups (from mammals, birds and reptiles, to butterflies and ants), representing the most extensive dataset available for Kalimantan's peat-swamp forest.

ASAP Species That We Work On

What We Do

Orangutan research

Since 2003 we have followed over 100 individuals and collected over 20,000 hours of data on these apes.

Our primary objective for this project is to gain a better understanding about orangutan behaviour and ecology in a tropical peat-swamp forest, to compare with other populations in different habitats, and to see how they cope with the unique challenges that this habitat brings. All studies of mankind’s closest relatives help us get a better understanding of how human evolution was shaped by the environment, and we are regularly making new and exciting discoveries that reveal the orangutan’s great intelligence and problem-solving ability. We’re also using our data to inform conservation management plans, by understanding how orangutans cope – or in some cases, fail to cope – with the damaging and disruptive impacts of logging and fire. Our main objective will always be the conservation, monitoring and protection of Sabangau’s orangutan population to ensure its future survival.

Pangolin research

In order to effectively conserve the Critically Endangered Sunda pangolin we need to understand:

  • Distribution across Borneo
  • Behavioural ecology and population status
  • Trade and where this species is being hunted
  • Where the hunted animals are being sold (trade routes)

BNF helps to further our knowledge of this poorly understood species by conducting research on wild pangolins using camera traps at 8 different sites as well as carrying out social surveys of hunting pressure and hunting hotspots.

Awareness

BNF employs a variety of tools to engage target audiences in order to promote positive perceptions and attitudes supporting the conservation of all wildlife. BNF aims to facilitate attitudinal change through building awareness and communicating messages that lead to positive perceptions of wildlife and conservation.

  • Building the capacity of conservation biologists, students and local people;
  • Using traditional and electronic media and educational publications to gain public support for saving wildlife;
  • Create awareness campaigns among public or target audience to reduce the pangolin demand

It is hoped that all these efforts will help to reduce the human-related threats faced by all wildlife species in Indonesia.

Where We Work

We work in Borneo, more specifically:

Contact Details

Jl. Bukit Raya, Palangka, Kec. Jekan Raya, Kota Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah 74874, Indonesia

Web & Social Media

Photo Credits

Featured image: Borneo Nature Foundation