Singkil Barat Nature Reserve Explained

The Singkil Barat Nature Reserve^[1] is a 650km2^[2] nature reserve found on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Located in the province of Aceh, the preserve contains the largest peat swamp within the leuser ecosystem and is hailed as the orangutan capital of the world.^[3] The Singkil is one of three peat swamps in Aceh province, the others being the smaller Kluet and much degraded Tripa.^[4] The Kluet swamp is world famous for its tool using orangutans and has been featured in documentaries. No where else in the world do orangutans gather naturally in large groups or use tools.^{[5] [6] [7]}

In this park you can meet a Sumatran tiger.^[8]

Deforestation and Conservation

During 2024 the Rainforest Action Network investigated land clearing in the Singkil reserve and found that supplies chains for major companies were sourcing palm oil from mills responsible for land clearing in the reserve. In 2022, 2023, and 2024 sustained clearing of forest occurred in the northern part of the reserve with canals being dug to make access into the forest easier. ^[9] The Sumatran Orangutan Society has restored several hundred hectares of forest by rewetting the peat and blocking the canals. Orangutans have returned to the areas they've worked on.^[10]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Sumatran Tiger Reserves and National Parks in detail. Gunung Leuser National Park . Lairweb.org.nz . 2011-12-08.
2. http://www.wdpa.org/siteSheet.aspx?sitecode=8905 World Database on Protected Areas
3. Web site: Jong . Hans Nicholas . Mar 14, 2024 . Palm oil deforestation persists in Indonesia's Leuser amid new mills, plantations . Aug 20, 2024 . Mongabay.
4. Web site: Hilton . Paul J . Nov 20, 2023 . What's at Stake in the 'Orangutan Capital of the World' — A Firsthand Account . Oct 26, 2024 . Rainforest Action Network (RAN).
5. Web site: Attenborough . David . Oct 26, 2024 . [htpps://www.netflix.com Secret Lives of Orangutans ]. Oct 26, 2024 . Netflix.
6. Web site: Morgan . Chris . Feb 25, 2015 . The Last Orangutan Eden . Oct 26, 2024 . YouTube.
7. Web site: Attenborough . David . Feb 5, 2003 . The Life of Mammals Episode 10 Food for Thought . Oct 26, 2024 . Dailymotion.
8. Web site: Sumatran Tiger Reserves and National Parks in detail. Gunung Leuser National Park.. 2021-05-04. www.lairweb.org.nz.
9. Web site: Jong . Hans Nicholas . September 22, 2023 . Deforestation for palm oil continues in Indonesia's 'orangutan capital' . August 21, 2024 . Mongabay.
10. Web site: NA . NA . August 21, 2024 . Spotted at Singkil! . August 21, 2024 . Sumatran Orangutan Society.