Enhancing the Leuser Ecosystem through the Conservation of Threatened Tree Species

Enhancing the Leuser Ecosystem through the Conservation of Threatened Sumatra Native Tree Species

Partner: Yayasan Orangutan Sumatera Lestari – Orangutan Information Centre (YOSL-OIC)
Years: 2024-2027

Indonesia is a mega biodiversity country, home to 8% of the world’s tree species, with more than 800 tree species recorded in the Leuser Ecosystem. This project aims to improve the Leuser Ecosystem through conservation and ecological restoration using Sumatran native tree species. It will produce updated data for 7 threatened Sumatran native tree species to guide conservation efforts for these species, and implement reforestation with a mix of no less than 160 other tree species to be grown in nurseries and replanted.

Shorea Johorensis

This project aims to update data, monitor phenology and implement field-based conservation actions for native Sumatran tree species in 3 sites of the Leuser Ecosystem, a critical biodiversity hotspot and the last place on earth where Sumatran orangutans, rhinos, Asian elephants and tigers still live together in the wild.

This project targets 7 tree species ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List: Burkillanthus malaccensis; Dipterocarpus tempehes; Aquilaria malaccensis; Shorea palembanica; Shorea singkawang; Shorea johorensis and Baccaurea sumatrana.

Over 3 years, this project will produce at least 3’000 seedlings for each target species which will be planted over 30 hectares across 3 ecosystem restoration sites in the Leuser landscape. The project will also use up to 160 other tree species for reforestation.