bahorok is only small part of the 9000 square kilometer or 900.000 hectare of Mt. leuser national part. the magnificent afforesting of this part have become famous throughout the world as the harbor some of the most endangered and rare species on earth for example Sumatran rhinoceros, orangutan and rafflesia the largest flower in the world. the part is inhabited by animal like the great Argus pheasant,elephant,Sumatran tiger,and as many as seven species of primates one of which is siamang which has an impressive, far-reaching vocal display. the agile and pretty face thomas leaf-imonkey and long tailed macaques are also commonly see.
in total the part lists 285 species of bird, 90 of mammals,reptiles and 35 of amphibians. the part-flora contains some 3500 plant species and on each hectare of the lowland forest you can find amazing 60-130 tree species.
geological there are several limestone formation along the foothills of the mountains, some with the beautiful caves long ago these were coral reps which have since been uplifted from the sea at rate of few millimeters per year by the process of colliding ocean floors and drifting continents. these infinitely slow collision and the enormous forces involved have led to the formation of high mountain and volcanics zones, only some 1800 years ago, during glacial times, the peaks of the park Mt.leuser, Mt. Kempis and others, were still covered by glaciers snow and ice sea level at that time was more than 80 m lower than at present and the islands of Sumatra,Java,and Borneo then formed one huge land mass which was connected via Malaysia to the Asian mainland.
in total the part lists 285 species of bird, 90 of mammals,reptiles and 35 of amphibians. the part-flora contains some 3500 plant species and on each hectare of the lowland forest you can find amazing 60-130 tree species.
geological there are several limestone formation along the foothills of the mountains, some with the beautiful caves long ago these were coral reps which have since been uplifted from the sea at rate of few millimeters per year by the process of colliding ocean floors and drifting continents. these infinitely slow collision and the enormous forces involved have led to the formation of high mountain and volcanics zones, only some 1800 years ago, during glacial times, the peaks of the park Mt.leuser, Mt. Kempis and others, were still covered by glaciers snow and ice sea level at that time was more than 80 m lower than at present and the islands of Sumatra,Java,and Borneo then formed one huge land mass which was connected via Malaysia to the Asian mainland.
The current situation
Unfortunately the Gunung Leuser ecosystem, which extends beyond the boundaries of the National Park, is seriously threatened. Environmental groups are concerned that rapidly expanding palm oil plantations, partly driven by ambitious plans for biofuels, are damaging the country's rainforests. Ironically, biofuels are likely to speed up global warming as they have encouraged farmers to burn tropical forests that have absorbed a large portion of greenhouse gases.
Greenpeace says Indonesia had the fastest pace of deforestation in the world between 2000-2005, with an area of forest equivalent to 300 soccer pitches destroyed every hour. We hope that our local initiative can add to the momentum towards local people conserving their own environments through enhancing an appreciation of wildlife and ‘wild' environments through education and work opportunities for the local people.
Jungle is fully inclusive of the local population. Our viability depends on the knowledge of our people as well as the natural and cultural environment. We also hope that by exposing tourists to the beauty of the rain forest and the current issues we can also generate outside support and contribute towards highlighting the plight of Sumatra 's rainforests before it is too late.
Unfortunately the Gunung Leuser ecosystem, which extends beyond the boundaries of the National Park, is seriously threatened. Environmental groups are concerned that rapidly expanding palm oil plantations, partly driven by ambitious plans for biofuels, are damaging the country's rainforests. Ironically, biofuels are likely to speed up global warming as they have encouraged farmers to burn tropical forests that have absorbed a large portion of greenhouse gases.
Greenpeace says Indonesia had the fastest pace of deforestation in the world between 2000-2005, with an area of forest equivalent to 300 soccer pitches destroyed every hour. We hope that our local initiative can add to the momentum towards local people conserving their own environments through enhancing an appreciation of wildlife and ‘wild' environments through education and work opportunities for the local people.
Jungle is fully inclusive of the local population. Our viability depends on the knowledge of our people as well as the natural and cultural environment. We also hope that by exposing tourists to the beauty of the rain forest and the current issues we can also generate outside support and contribute towards highlighting the plight of Sumatra 's rainforests before it is too late.
Until 1996 Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra was the location of an Orangutan rehabilitation centre. The centre was forced to close its doors to new arrivals because the centre could not accommodate the ever growing number of Orangutans. Later conservation strategies recommended against the re-introduction of ex-captives into wild populations, due to the threat of disease. The Orangutans rehabilitated in this period and their off-spring still remain in the jungle around Bukit Lawang.
A feeding platform was built in the jungle to aid their survival in the wild. Many of these semi-wild Orangutans and their off spring still frequent the feeding platform. There is also the occasional wild visitor.
The Orangutans are fed twice a day on bananas and milk. It was believed that a bland diet would encourage the rehabilitated Orangutans to search for a more varied diet themselves in the jungle.
It is possible for visitors to Bukit Lawang to visit the feeding platform and view the Orangutans.
Responsible Tourism
Jungle follows a strict code of non contact with the orangutans. Getting too close to an orangutan increases the risk of passing on disease and viral infection, which jeopardises the semi wild orangutans chances of survival and in turn the health and survival of the wild orangutan population in this area.
We ask our guests to keep at least 10 metres away and to move away if an orangutan approaches.
A feeding platform was built in the jungle to aid their survival in the wild. Many of these semi-wild Orangutans and their off spring still frequent the feeding platform. There is also the occasional wild visitor.
The Orangutans are fed twice a day on bananas and milk. It was believed that a bland diet would encourage the rehabilitated Orangutans to search for a more varied diet themselves in the jungle.
It is possible for visitors to Bukit Lawang to visit the feeding platform and view the Orangutans.
Responsible Tourism
Jungle follows a strict code of non contact with the orangutans. Getting too close to an orangutan increases the risk of passing on disease and viral infection, which jeopardises the semi wild orangutans chances of survival and in turn the health and survival of the wild orangutan population in this area.
We ask our guests to keep at least 10 metres away and to move away if an orangutan approaches.
