In early October 2022, our Post-Release Monitoring (PRM) team translocated Hanung, who was released by the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation to the Kehje Sewen Forest in 2016.

Our PRM team, in addition to releasing and monitoring orangutans in the forest, is also tasked with translocating orangutans when required. Translocation involves moving an orangutan from one location to another, to end conflict between the orangutan and humans, if they have entered human settlements persistently and other forms of mitigation have failed. 

The purpose of Hanung's recent translocation was to move him to a more suitable habitat, as he had previously appeared near residential areas in Pelangsiran. In his new area, Hanung must be more independent and will be unable to enter human settlements. The hope is that he establishes a new home range and does not return to areas where humans reside.

Translocation is a safeguard in the BOS Foundation’s reintroduction program, a tool that the PRM teams can use to help ensure that the orangutans can live full lives in natural, secure habitat and that local humans learn that orangutans are friendly neighbours, not competitors or threats. By getting a fresh start, orangutans get the chance to regain their natural behaviours and relearn how to forage on their own, without relying on humans.

Hopefully, Hanung will be happy and thrive in his new part of the Kehje Sewen Forest!

Text by: PRM Team at Camp Nles Mamse, Kehje Sewen Forest, East Kalimantan