ECOVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE. Orang-utan Project. Sumatra 2010 THE ECOVOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Transcription

1 ECOVOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Orang-utan Project Sumatra 2010 THE ECOVOLUNTEER PROGRAM You can freely download this project file and files on other projects from the homepage for this project within the Ecovolunteer website: (or from the national ecovolunteer domains). As it is necessary for participants in this project to be able to communicate in English, this text is provided only in English. The text of this handbook is developed in cooperation with the project staff. The text is updated annually by the project staff. Nevertheless you may experience some changes in the field compared to this text. It is inherent to wildlife programs that during operations changes are necessary due to unexpected research findings, behaviour of the wildlife, site logistics, etc. Be prepared for such changes. [Last updated August 2009] Please help us: If you happen to find any of the information below no longer to be valid, or when you have useful additions, then kindly report so to: Ecovolunteer Program: That way we shall be able to provide better information to future participants. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

2 Index 1 PREFACE ORANG-UTAN PROJECT BEHAVIOUR DIET AND LOCOMOTION THREATS SPECIES OF ORANG-UTAN RESEARCH AREAS OF INVESTIGATION SAMPLING PROCEDURES YOUR PARTICIPATION SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FIELD TRAINING CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION TRAVEL INFORMATION PRICES TEAM DATES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE FLIGHTS / ARRIVAL IN SUMATRA PASSPORT AND VISA COMMUNICATION MEDICAL INFORMATON WHAT TO BRING? USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT INDONESIA CLIMATE INDONESIAN PEOPLE AND CULTURE RELIGION RECOMMENDED READING...22 Indonesia Orang-utan Research

3 9 YOUR PARTICIPATION CLIMATE NEUTRAL APPLICATION / LETTER OF MOTIVATON MEDICAL FORM...25 Indonesia Orang-utan Research

4 1 PREFACE 1.1 ORANG-UTAN PROJECT It isn't easy learning to be an orang-utan. The rainforest is teeming with plants, insects and many types of fruits. It takes years for a youngster to learn what is good or bad to eat and, as important, what to take for indigestion or illness. We tend to think that wild animals such as orang-utans have natural immunity to diseases in their environment. This is not the case - they are just as susceptible to microbes and parasites as humans. Amazingly, like humans, it appears that they take medicine but in the form of medicinal plants to treat their illnesses. Apes using plants to treat a 'dodgy gut' is a fairly new finding, and one that is brimming with questions about how they know which plants to select for which ailments. New areas of the forest are constantly being opened to development and human contact. Humans are introducing new parasites, viruses and diseases into the forest, as well as bringing new ones out of it. Are our ginger friends suffering from these human diseases, and have they already found treatments for them? This is where we come in. Having already found wild orang-utans to be generally healthier than those who have spent their entire lives in captivity or have been rehabilitated and reintroduced back into the forest, we want to learn from the orang-utans why this should be. What are they eating or doing differently? It is hoped that we will be able to understand ways of dealing with illnesses in one of our closest living relatives. As an Ecovolunteer, your participation is invaluable: your financial contribution helps to support the project's work, while the physical/office work you do means the project can keep on top of the samples needing processing and the vast amount of data needing entry and collation. Without the support of our Ecovolunteers, the project would not have been able to do anywhere near as much work as it has so far. This support is vital to the continuing success of the project's work. You will have a once in a lifetime chance to see primary rainforest in one of the most beautiful areas in the world. If that isn't enough, you will be within viewing distance of the most graceful primates on earth (physical contact is not allowed) in their natural habitat. The importance of our work cannot be emphasised enough - it will bring knowledge to basic science, public health, and wildlife conservation management and, hopefully, help to save both flora and fauna. In effect, we will all win. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

5 An introduction to orang-utans The orang-utan (Pongo Pygmaeus), literally called man of the forest (orang hutan) in the local language, belongs to the family Pongidae, which includes all of today s great apes. The natural habitat of the orang-utan continues to diminish under pressure from human activities. In the wild, the orang-utan can only be found in the northern areas of Sumatra and on Borneo, in Southeast Asia. Many years ago, its range was much greater, covering parts of Laos, Vietnam, and other areas in Asia and smaller islands in the Indian Ocean. The orang-utan is the largest and most intelligent primate in Asia (excluding humans), and is the largest tree-dwelling animal in the world. Among primates, it is highly unusual, having long, straight, coarse hair, rather than the shorter, smoother coats typical of most monkeys and all other great apes. All orang-utans are covered with long, straight, reddish hair, which has earned them the nickname of the red ape. They are large apes and a fully grown male can weigh in excess of 80kg; females nearer 40kg. 1.2 BEHAVIOUR As adults, orang-utans live a solitary lifestyle, coming together only to mate or occasionally to search for food. It is the males who lead the more solitary lifestyle. Mothers carry babies for several years, and sometimes a juvenile will remain close by when another baby is born. Orang-utans usually give birth to a single baby and the mother may look after this baby for up to six years. She may not become sexually active again during this period. Orang-utans become sexually mature any time from 11 or 12 years of age. A dominant male will grow cheek pads (flanges) around his face. This is a sign of a mature and dominant male in a territory. These are used when making an announcement of his presence; with them he is able to make a long and deep call that can be heard up to 1 kilometre away. Physical aggression is rarely seen between two orang-utans. A demonstration of dominance will generally see off a rival male. The range of an orang-utan varies, depending on how much forest is available. Most of the day is spent searching for food, resting, or travelling in search of food. The prevalence of orang-utans may vary from one to six per square kilometre. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

6 1.3 DIET AND LOCOMOTION The orang-utan is predominantly a fruit eating species. Its diet consists mainly of fruit, supplemented with leaves, flowers, bark, insects, soil, mushroom, honey and other vegetative plant parts. Feeding time on leaves varies inversely with feeding time on fruit. The latter seems to vary directly with the availability of a suitable fruit crop, which suggests that orang-utans prefer fruit, especially figs, when these items are available. Orang-utans have highly mobile hip joints, which allow the animals to be incredibly agile in the trees. They also have opposable toes, which effectively give the animals four hands. Both of these features allow orang-utans to move through trees and hang upside down from branches using just their feet to support their entire weight. 1.4 THREATS In Asia, huge areas of forest are disappearing at an alarming rate due to logging. This destruction of habitat affects many species of flora and fauna. Orang-utans are one of the species most vulnerable to habitat destruction. They reproduce at a very slow rate and it can take many years to replace one or two lost orang-utans. Sumatran orang-utans are classified as Critically Endangered under the IUCN's Red List scheme. Actual numbers have been recently estimated at around 7,500 in comparison to the 50-60,000 still surviving on neighbouring Borneo, which is home to a distinctly different sub-species. Our work will provide essential information about the ecological conditions which need to be maintained in order to effectively preserve them in the wild. It is illegal to keep an orang-utan as a pet, but there are still numerous examples of this happening. They are taken during infancy when they are easy to handle. They are incredibly cute and affectionate and the likeness to human babies is amazing. During the process of obtaining a baby, the mother is often killed. The baby orang-utans that survive are reared as pets, commonly on a sub-standard diet without enough space to move properly. Once older, the orang-utans grow quite large, are incredibly strong, and can become unpredictable and aggressive. It is at this stage that they become unwanted pets and are often caged and mistreated. They may be discovered by the authorities or handed over voluntarily, and it is at this point that they are transferred to a rehabilitation quarantine facility like that which used to function at Bukit Lawang. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

7 1.5 SPECIES OF ORANG-UTAN Bornean and Sumatran orang-utans differ in appearance, so an experienced observer can tell at a glance where the animal comes from. The coat colour of Sumatran orang-utans tends to be lighter and the hair less coarse, but longer. They also usually have white-ish hairs on the face and the groin. Sumatran orang-utans tend to be taller, but slimmer, than Bornean orang-utans. The most obvious differences are between the adult males. Bornean males have larger and wider face flanges, although Sumatrans make up for this by having longer beards and often thick moustaches, as well. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

8 2 RESEARCH 2.1 AREAS OF INVESTIGATION Project research is focusing on five main areas of investigation: Relationship of orang-utan self-medicating behaviour to the elimination of parasites and illness Differentiation and specification of chosen parasites Seasonality of parasites Relationship between age and parasite infection parameters Testing for cross infection between humans and primates Recent studies of African great apes show that non-nutritional ingestion of certain plant species aids in the control of certain parasite infections, and provides relief from related gastrointestinal upsets. Among the African great apes, three types of self-medicating behaviour have been documented: bitter pith chewing, leaf swallowing and soil-eating (geophagy). Chewing the bitter pith of certain fruits is thought to release substances beneficial to health. Swallowing certain leaves whole is thought to help rid the host of intestinal parasites by literally scraping its way along the gut wall. Eating soil is thought to be an effective way of controlling diarrhoea. We expect to find further examples of this kind of behaviour in orang-utans. Without question, the implication of investigating this behaviour is of great interest when considering the evolution of hostparasite relationships. This line of study has proven invaluable in looking for avenues of treating parasite infections in humans and domestic animals. 2.2 SAMPLING PROCEDURES Proper sample processing requires that the following information be collected and recorded: Site temperature, Humidity, Weather/rainfall data, Type of food ingested, Herb species, Portion of food intake, Time of day utilised Information about the subject: health, age, sex, with or without baby Information about faeces: weight, consistency, contents, pith, worms, etc. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

9 3 YOUR PARTICIPATION As an Ecovolunteer on this project, you will be helping to support the survival of a species, in addition to helping investigate cures for new illnesses in the orang-utan and, possibly, even human world. You will be working with an active research project and fulfilling the project's work requirements. You always have the choice of whether to participate in the work available, but please be warned that this is not a holiday, and the work can be strenuous, repetitive and always in a foreign environment. It takes a certain character to put up with this and get on with the job. There is also no guarantee you will see/observe wild orang-utans (they are shy creatures), although you may be lucky enough to come across them whilst working in the forest - an experience you will never forget. Your participation fee is used to cover all the day-to-day expenses of running the project, including food and accommodation for volunteers and staff, operation of the project base, lab equipment and supplies, and helps provide the funds necessary to transport faecal, plant, and soil samples abroad for important analysis work. We also pay the full cost of national park permits, at tourist rates. Any leftovers are invested in the future expansion of the project, including the building of an ambitious new research station in an area of forest previously unstudied. This area is home to a significant population of wild orang-utans and the new station will go a long way to protecting their habitat, while simultaneously providing a site for conservation education, summer schools and an expansion of research. The project is able to provide important work for the local community and employs only all local guides for trekking in the forest. 3.1 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES Day 1: Arrive in Medan on the Monday morning; possible shopping for the project; travel to the project; orientation to location; settle in, rest and recuperate. (The journey from Medan is quite taxing as the roads are in disrepair). Day 2: Project Orientation and volunteer tasks. Day 3: Visit to the orang-utan feeding platform followed by a practice trek into the forest with our Field Guide; lunch and then free-time in the afternoon - swimming in the river; tubing; a second visit to feeding platform, shopping, internet, etc. then back to base. Day 4: Research tasks at base (see below). Indonesia Orang-utan Research

10 Days 5-10: Trekking and fieldwork with overnight stays in the forest carrying out tasks necessary to the project's research. Three meals per day and water are provided. Living conditions will be very basic. Alternatively, based on project need, several one-day treks in the jungle to carry out tasks necessary to the projects research (no overnight camping). Day 11: Day 12: Day 13: Day 14: Rest and recuperate. Field work data processing/additional office tasks as required. Debriefing. Free time (or more office work if you are so inclined). Volunteer last night BBQ. Travel to Medan on the Sunday morning for afternoon flights. IMPORTANT: The above is only an example of a possible schedule of activities. It is always subject to change based on the needs of the project. Staying overnight in the forest is not guaranteed and will be based on considerations such as weather, staff availability, the number of volunteers and, most importantly, the physical fitness of the volunteers. Flexibility is the key to life in Indonesia! Possible Research Tasks at Base: Entering behavioural data collected by Field Assistants onto computer; Organising samples of orang-utan foodstuffs and processing samples for our herbarium; Processing faecal samples collected by Field Assistants; Preparing equipment for the Field Assistants to take into the forest; Cataloguing samples; Shopping for project supplies in town or at the local market; Brainstorming ideas to help the project's promotion; Entering Temperature, Weather and Humidity data onto computer; Cleaning the project office and accommodation. Possible Research Tasks in the Forest: Locating areas with a significant wild orang-utan population; Finding and following wild orang-utans to collect behavioural data and plant and faecal samples. (NB: It is not easy to find wild orang-utan and many hours trekking do not guarantee any sightings.) Indonesia Orang-utan Research

11 3.2 FIELD TRAINING You will get proper instruction and information on the following: * Orientation to the project and your role in it * Your project responsibilities * Safe behaviour in tropical countries; potential health risks and precautions * Indonesian culture and appropriate behaviour in Sumatra * Proper sample collecting techniques and data entry protocols * Information about the local flora and fauna, especially orang-utans 3.3 CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION Orang-utan contact - The most important fact is that there will be absolutely NO physical contact with any orangutans. If you were hoping to come so that you could play or cuddle with one of these amazing animals, then this project is NOT for you. This rule will be strictly enforced if necessary. Orang-utan observation - We can provide no guarantee that you will encounter orang-utans in the wild. Reintroduced orang-utans are not as shy of people and so spend more time in the lower canopy and even on the ground. However, much of our work necessarily takes place in areas home to only wild orang-utans, and these are much more difficult to spot - they spend most of their time high in the forest canopy and their location varies according to fruiting season. Should you catch even a short glimpse of one of these graceful creatures in its natural habitat, the experience will certainly stay with you forever. Team size - We run one team per month for 14 days (Monday through Sunday), with a minimum of two volunteers, and a maximum of eight. Accommodation - These are very basic but clean! While staying at our base you will probably share a small bamboo room with another volunteer. Privacy may be in short supply. You will have a mattress, a mosquito net, and a small communal "bathroom" with a basic non-western toilet (a squat-style toilet, which flushes when water is run through). You will be asked to clean yourself as per the local custom, using only water and your left hand after using the toilet, so as to avoid blockages caused by paper. There will be no shower, but a supply of cold water that you scoop over yourself to wash according to local custom. All our base Indonesia Orang-utan Research

12 accommodation has electricity, unless there's a power cut (which is not uncommon). There is a variety of insects and small animals around for you to get acquainted with - cats, rats, geckos, mice, geese, cockroaches, leeches, chickens, spiders and a variety of strange-looking nameless critters. While trekking we may be camping in the jungle for up to 5 nights at a time with only a tarpaulin and thin foam mat separating you from the forest floor. Food will be cooked over an open fire and water from a clean river nearby boiled to provide safe drinking water. If you don t like roughing it, this may not be for you. Food - Meals will be prepared for you and taken three times a day. There is no menu to choose from, and the food will be basic Indonesian cuisine. This consists mainly of rice, noodles, vegetables, very limited meat, tofu/tempe, and fruit. It is simple but also very tasty, utilising varying amounts of chilli, but rarely without. Indonesian food can be very spicy! Vegetarians can be easily catered for, but vegans may need to bring some supplements to ensure they get a full fix of protein. Bottled water is provided by the project. Beer, alcohol and soft drinks are not included. These can be bought at local shops or food stalls (warung). You should avoid non-bottled water or ice in drinks that you buy in the village. Health - This is a "rigorous" project. It can involve trekking for up to 10 km/day over steep, slippery and sometimes densely forested jungle terrain, and possibly five nights at a time sleeping in the jungle. The age limits is therefore nominally set at 50 years - but please feel free to apply if you are older and think you are up to the challenge. The project requires you to have your doctor fill out a medical form that you must bring with you to the project. This form is in the last pages of this brochure. If you have physical problems, it is not worth covering them up as they will be discovered very quickly. For information about inoculations and insurance, see Medical Information below. Other activities - You will have some free time to enjoy the beautiful nature and culture of Sumatra. Being a short bus ride from a fast running river, there is rafting available in your free time. This costs around US$15-$20 (2009) for a half day. There is also tubing which is a cheaper option and lots of fun (around US$5/day to rent an inner-tube)! It is also possible to go for a longer walk to a smaller, deeper river for some swimming and perhaps a barbecue. It's also possible to hire a guide and go for a tour of the local area on motorbike or even go trekking in the jungle riding an elephant! The local people are excellent at giving massages to those tired limbs, and the prices are very reasonable. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

13 The area around Bukit Lawang continues to undergo a regeneration process following a flash-flood disaster which destroyed homes and businesses and killed around 400 people in November People displaced from Bukit Lawang are attempting to set up guesthouses and home-stays to attract tourists back to the area. These people are, therefore, more welcoming than ever towards westerners and they are keen to talk about what happened as well as about their plans for the future. The people are remarkably resilient and the upbeat atmosphere is truly inspiring. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

14 4 TRAVEL INFORMATION 4.1 PRICES See the Ecovolunteer website or your national web-domain, or consult the Ecovolunteer agency in your country. For contact addresses in your home country: see the contact page in the website TEAM DATES Fixed periods for participation are specified on the Ecovolunteer website. You are welcome from February November inclusive. Teams begin on the first Monday of the month and end on the Sunday 2 weeks later. 4.3 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Accommodation Food Water Supervision Airport transfers (provided you arrive on time at the rendezvous point) National park permits Trekking guides 4.4 NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE Passport, 30-day tourist visa charge (US $25) on entry depending on your nationality Flights to/from Medan, Sumatra (& airport taxes) Medical and travel/trip cancellation insurance (all participants should carry both) Personal expenses (optional): telephone calls, , souvenirs, beer & soft drinks, meals at local food-stalls, leisure activities: tubing on river, etc. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

15 4.5 FLIGHTS / ARRIVAL IN SUMATRA Reservations - You will need to book your own flights to/from Polonia International Airport in Medan (Sumatra, Indonesia). The booking agent at the Ecovolunteer Network can help you. We advise you not to make reservations before your participation has been confirmed. Arrival time - Because the project dates are fixed and may involve a number of people, it is very important that you schedule your flight for a morning arrival time around 9am on Day 1 (the Monday) of the project schedule (or before). If you provide your arrival details two weeks before scheduled arrival, you will be met at the airport by a Project Assistant and transported to the project site near Bukit Lawang free of charge. Late arrival - In the event your flight is delayed or you arrive late, the Project Assistant may be unable to wait for you. You will then need to make your own way to the project and pay the necessary additional costs. Your booking office will provide you with specific written instructions on how to do this before you leave for Sumatra. Early arrival Arriving early in Medan (not at the project site) is an option. If you do opt for an early Medan arrival, it will be your responsibility to book and pay for transfers, hotel accommodations and meals. You will then need to make your way to the rendezvous point at the airport on the first morning of the volunteer program. Your booking office can provide you with some suggestions for hotels in Medan. 4.6 PASSPORT AND VISA To visit Indonesia, you will need a passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date. You may be able to obtain a visa before coming to Indonesia, but please check this with your own country's Indonesian embassy to be absolutely sure. Otherwise, on arrival, you will be issued a 30-day tourist visa at a cost of US $25. Please list "Leisure" (and nothing else) as the purpose of your visit. 4.7 COMMUNICATION There is mobile phone coverage with Indonesia s Telkomsel. Check with your home network for a roaming agreement with Telkomsel and you should be able to use your mobile to call home or send/receive sms. This is the best means of communication. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

16 Please advise your family and friends that direct communication may be difficult if not impossible if you do not have a mobile phone. Internet is available in Bukit Lawang; however, due to power cuts, problems with signals, etc., internet is not always available or reliable. A postal service is not available to the project (and would be too slow to be helpful anyway). 4.8 MEDICAL INFORMATON Working in a tropical rainforest environment, you will be exposed to a number of risks. You are advised to seek full medical advice about staying in Sumatra before your arrival, and it is strongly recommended that you take the full program of inoculations advised by your physician. Check at least one month before leaving for Indonesia with your local Health Department or the World Health Organisation for any changes in the Indonesian health environment. Inoculations Tetanus, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A&B are usually recommended by physicians. To date, malaria has not been a problem at the project, but it is present in some areas of Sumatra, so follow the advice of your physician regarding the need for prophylactic medication. Inoculations are not only for your own protection, but also for the protection of others around you and for the orang-utans. Crossinfection is common, and the whole project is about avoiding this. Do not put others at risk because of your own negligence. Insurance You are required to carry both medical/health travel insurance, as well as cancellation insurance for participation in the project. Even with insurance, you most likely will have to pay for your care first, and then be reimbursed once you are back home. Indonesian hospitals generally will not directly bill foreign insurance companies. Medical services 15 minutes drive from our base is a small clinic in Bohorok from where you can get basic medical provision and care. In Medan, there are a range of international standard private hospitals such as Gleni International Hospital that provide a high standard of medical care. Most, including Gleni International, accept international patients with travel insurance coverage. Medan is 75 km from our base. This journey takes 3 hours, mainly due to the condition of the road. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

17 5 WHAT TO BRING? The following items are advisable: Documents: valid passport, insurance papers, vaccination card, a print-out of this document and a print-out of the additional instructions provided to you by your booking office after booking. The completed medical questionnaire and a statement of good health signed by your doctor A good torch with replacement bulbs & batteries (you can buy batteries here, but try to bring your own rechargeable batteries to reduce harmful waste we have AA/AAA chargers available) Light sleeping bag & sheet Sleeping mat we provide a thin foam mat for you to take with you to the forest, but you may want something a little more substantial for comfort Hiking boots (note: they will get wet and very muddy) these should have a good aggressive tread, as the forest floor is often very slippery. Sport sandals (for walking on jungle paths & through water) Small rucksack (daypack) STRONG Lightweight, quick dry, light-coloured clothing (cotton is good): 2 pr. long trousers & 2 long-sleeve shirts (for trekking) 2 pr shorts & t-shirts or shirts (for at the project & in town: Locally females are expected to keep their shoulders covered and wear shorts to the knees or lower) Please Note: You will not be allowed to go trekking in the forest wearing military-style camouflage clothing of any kind it could be dangerous for you and others if people have any reason to think you might be military personnel. Lightweight rain coat or umbrella is optional but handy when going to town Towel Bathing suit (no bikinis) Mosquito repellent (with 29% DEET or more works best) Sunglasses Sun block high factor Watch with alarm (best) or alarm clock Pocket knife First Aid Kit & any medications (including malaria tablets, if taking) Lighter Some Ziploc plastic bags (to keep things dry given high humidity) US $25 in Cash for paying visa charge on entry (can also be paid in Indonesian Rupiah at an unfavourable rate!) Indonesia Orang-utan Research

18 N.B.: Small rucksack: We generally advise you to take as small a bag as possible. For jungle treks, the only things you need to take are a couple spare changes of clothing (one for the evenings so you can put something dry on when we stop walking), something to sleep in (i.e., sleeping bag/sarong/sheet) a torch, mosquito repellent, soap, toothbrush, some sandals, and enough space for 1-2 bottles of water. Anything else is not really needed. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

19 6 USEFUL INFORMATION Language The official language is 'Bahasa Indonesia,' though English is used at the project. In Timbang Lawan, English is rarely spoken by the locals. Electricity In Indonesia, voltage is 220 Volts (AC). Plugs have two round prongs. Electricity and electrical lighting will be available in your rice-field bungalow (barring power cuts). Money The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (Rp). The current exchange rate (August 2009) is about 9,500-10,000Rp to US$1, though it obviously fluctuates. The best way to withdraw local cash on arrival is using a bank card that directly debits your account (either current or savings) but make sure the card has a Maestro/MasterCard/Cirrus logo on it. There are ATM machines at the airport. Project staff will show you where. Cash in US dollars can be changed at some banks and money changers but they are EXTREMELY, INCREDIBLY picky. This is not an exaggeration. Only bring large denomination, crisp NEW bills (US $100, year 2006 or newer) - do not fold or mark them in any way as they will be refused. Normal credit cards are not widely accepted in Sumatra (except in resort areas). If you are using an ATM card or a credit card to get cash, the nearest town with a bank or ATM is two hours away. It may only be possible to get money from Medan on your arrival. Bear in mind that you will not need a vast amount of money with you while you are staying at the project. There is really not a lot to spend your money on. There are limitations on how much local currency you are allowed to bring into the country, so check this out before coming if you plan to bring in a large amount. Tipping Tipping is not that common in Indonesia, but it is gratefully received. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

20 7 ABOUT INDONESIA 7.1 CLIMATE Sumatra is a rainforest climate, and the rainy season is from October to March/April. However, it rains most of the year round. Humidity in the forest rarely goes below 80%, and regularly reaches 100%. At our base, it ranges between 60-90%. You will sweat. Temperatures range from 22 degrees up to 30 degrees, falling by just a few degrees at night. It will be hot and humid, but it should only take a couple of days to acclimatise and settle in. 7.2 INDONESIAN PEOPLE AND CULTURE In Indonesia, you will find that the people are very friendly, and you will probably get more smiles on one street corner than you will get in the whole of London or New York. Good manners and a polite nature will see you through pretty well, together with the tips below. Always remember that you are acting as an ambassador for your home country, as well as for the project. You will be expected to respect the Indonesian culture and lifestyle and not get into discussions about local politics or make too many critical comments about how you think things should work. The left hand is considered unclean, so you should avoid using it to eat, touch people, or give and receive money - you will need to use it to clean yourself after using the toilet as the locals do, to avoid blockages of paper. The feet are the lowest part of the body, and should not be raised, the soles pointed at someone, or used to touch people with. Generally, try and follow what you see local people doing in relation to manners and good form. You may come across situations that you find shocking, such as chickens being plucked live, or fish gutted whilst still alive. You may also find some animal cruelty, although we have not witnessed this. While you should be prepared for these situations, please hold back comments if they occur. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

21 You are a guest in the country and it is not your place to pass judgement. It could also be construed as extremely rude. If you feel the need to protest against animal cruelty do so in your home country. Indonesian people are forgiving towards tourists, and this is a tourist area, but it is advisable to read a good travel guide on the country before coming. 7.3 RELIGION Sumatra is 95% Muslim. Many people are very religious, but many are also not so religious. Provided that you show people respect, then they will act the same way towards you. It is not uncommon to be asked what religion you are. This is not a rude question and it is polite to offer an honest answer except, we would advise that none is not an acceptable answer. It is best to say a religion of some kind, unless you want to offend. Indonesian women generally dress conservatively, though many have chosen to no longer wear the traditional head covering. Women at the project are expected to dress modestly, and it is not appropriate to wear bikinis or extremely revealing clothes. A minimum should be t-shirts (not too skimpy and preferably with shoulders covered) and shorts (but not too short!). Males should wear at least trousers or shorts at all times. Indonesia Orang-utan Research

22 8 RECOMMENDED READING Please do some reading on Indonesia, and the Indonesian rainforest ecology and Orang-utans before coming on the expedition. If you would like to bring any field and/or identification guides or other books, which might be useful on the expedition, please feel free to do so. You will have no problem in good bookshops or on the Internet to find interesting travel guides for Indonesia and other sources of information that may help you prepare for your participation. The reading list below was compiled to encourage you to read on Orang-utans: MacKinnon, JR The behaviour and ecology of wild orang-utans. Collett, J, Galdikas, BMF A coprological study of parasitism in orang-utans. Rijksen, HD A field study on Sumatran orang-utans. Sugarjito, J, Meat eating behaviour in wild orang-utans. Mahaney, CW, Hancick, RGV Geochemistry and clay mineralogy of termite mound soil and a possible role of geophagy in chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania. Huffman, MA Leaf swallowing by chimpanzees, a behavioural adaptation for the control of strongly nematode infections. Huffman, MA Seasonal trends in intestinal nematode infection and medicinal plant use among chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania. Huffman, MA Current evidence for self-medication in primates: a multidisciplinary perspective. Galdikas, BMF Orang-utan sociality at Tanjung Putting. Rodman, PS Feeding behaviour of orang-utans of the Kutai Nature Reserve, East Kalimantan. Bennett, EL The Natural History of the orang-utan Indonesia Orang-utan Research

23 9 YOUR PARTICIPATION CLIMATE NEUTRAL The Ecovolunteer Program aims to offset all carbon dioxide emissions caused by your participation in the project. For this we cooperate with the Trees for Travel Foundation. The Trees for Travel Foundation finances the planting, regeneration and maintenance of forests that will lock up greenhouse gases. The Foundation does her work in collaboration with local people and organisations to not only create a greener planet but also to fight against poverty. So we keep the greenhouse effect in check by contributing a modest amount to Trees for Travel to compensate your greenhouse gas emissions while participating in the Ecovolunteer project. Thus you help to make the world a better place at the same time. The cost for climate compensation is not added to the price you pay, but is fully covered by the Ecovolunteer Program. Please note that we only care for making your participation in the project climate neutral. Your travelling from your home to the project is not included. We recommend that you yourself will make your travels climate neutral as well. You could ask your travel agent or your airline to do so, or you can arrange that directly yourself through: Trees for Travel Foundation: Website: Mail: info@treesfortravel.nl Indonesia Orang-utan Research

24 10 APPLICATION / LETTER OF MOTIVATON The project staff requires you to answer the following questions in a Letter of Motivation, before they will decide on confirmation of any booking LETTTER OF MOTIVATION 1. How did you hear about this volunteer project? 2. Have you been on a similar expedition before? If so, please describe: 3. Have you lived or travelled in a developing country? If so, please describe: 4. What experience(s) have you had that reflect your adaptability to new situations and tolerance for living under very basic conditions (no running water, electricity, etc)? 5. How would you describe your level of physical fitness? Do you engage in any regular form of physical exercise/activity/sports? If so, please describe: 6. Native language and any other languages spoken: 7. Any special talents to offer (e.g. navigation, first aid, computer, wilderness survival etc)? 8. Do you have any prior knowledge of field research or of the Indonesian region/culture? 9. Do you currently have, or have you had, any medical problems? If yes, please specify. 10. Introduce yourself to us (no more than 100 words please!): why you have chosen this project and what you are hoping to get from it your occupation and interests other details about yourself that might be relevant and that you would like us to know Indonesia Orang-utan Research

25 11 MEDICAL FORM The project requires you to print this Health Statement below and to have your doctor fill out this Health Statement below that you must bring with you to the project HEALTH STATEMENT Volunteer s name Expedition dates : : To the examining physician: Your patient is planning to volunteer at the Orang-utan Health Project in Sumatra, Indonesia. This expedition requires volunteers to work in remote areas with high temperatures and humidity, and to live under primitive conditions (no electricity, hot water, modern toilets, etc.) The physical and emotional health of your patient is important to the other members of the project since they will share assignments in the field. Please help us by describing your patient s physical status and medical/emotional health. Thank you. No of years you have known patient: Age: Height: Weight: Allergies? Note specific allergy(s) Note expected reaction(s) Blood pressure? Blood type? Indonesia Orang-utan Research

26 Orthopaedic problems? Respiratory problems? Heart problems? Gastro Intestinal problems? Smoker? If so, how much? Special diet needed? Chronic conditions or diseases? Hospitalization in last two years? If so, give reason & diagnosis Please check: Eyesight : good / average / poor Hearing : good / average / poor Walking : good / average / poor Climbing : good / average / poor Swimming : good / average / poor Back Strength : good / average / poor Bending & lifting : good / average / poor Energy & vigour : good / average / poor Endurance : good / average / poor Agility : good / average / poor Balance & coordination : good / average / poor Does your patient have any mental health problems? Is your patient now under the treatment of a psychologist or psychiatrist? (Use back of form if necessary) Indonesia Orang-utan Research

27 If yes, would this interfere with your patient s participation on a team? Please give your overall assessment of the patient s emotional health and stability? (Name) has been examined by me on this date. We have discussed the potential physical and emotional demands of an expedition of this nature, and given these demands, I feel that he/she is qualified to join the expedition. Physician s name (print) Signature Date Address Telephone Emergency phone : : : : : : Indonesia Orang-utan Research