Field stations in Indonesia
The Department participates in field-based research in numerous locations (Southeast Asia, Africa and South America), but primarily in Indonesia, where it operates its own field stations on Siberut, an island off the West coast of Sumatra and at Tangkoko, in Northwest Sulawesi.
Siberut
Our activities on Siberut are located in the northeastern corner of the island, in and around a 5500 ha area of primary rain- and coastal swamp-forest habitat known as the “Peleonan” Forest. Despite its conservation significance, the location of the Peleonan Forest is unusual in being outside the islands’ National Park and within an area designated as production forest. It is currently protected on the basis of short-term contracts with local clans and by an agreement with Indonesian officials to exclude the forest from a recently awarded logging concession.
SCP’s field research station lies in the heart of the Peleonan’s primary rainforest habitat. Comprising seven main buildings linked by a series of raised walkways, the field station provides comfortable accommodation and work-space for scientists and support staff. The station, which takes its name from the nearby Pungut river is at the centre of SCP’s 11 km² core study area, access to which is facilitated by an extensive network of interconnecting transects.
SCP also maintains its own house in the neighbouring village of Politcioman, where the project has developed an active partnership with the local community. Politcioman, situated close to the mouth of the Sigep river, is a small village of about 700 inhabitants comprising nine different clans. It is these local villagers who own the Peleonan forest that is rented by SCP. Politcioman not only serve an essential function in networking SCP’s activities in the region, but is also the focus of its extensive community-based programme. SCP has recently completed the construction of its own community development and education centre which now provides the focus for these village activities.
Find more about the Siberut Conservation Programme
Tangkoko
Our field site on Sulawesi is located in the Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve near Manado, North Sulawesi. This small reserve (3200 ha) is inhabited by the biggest population of crested macaques (Macaca nigra) within their original distribution range and is also home to many birds endemic to the Wallacea.
The research camp is located 2,5 km away from the small village of Batuputih and is about 50 m away from the beach. It includes three houses which provide accommodation and work-space for 12 students and camp staff. Facilities comprise electricity from solar panels, running water, a small library and laboratory as well as a kitchen and permanent cook. Currently, there are four habituated groups of macaques around the station over an area of roughly 8 km², which is covered by and extensive and well maintained trail system.
Find more about the Macaca Nigra Project