Based in the Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain, deep in the Rainforests of Sabah, the Great Orangutan and Pygmy Elephant Project gives volunteers the chance to truly become immersed in this regions spectacular wildlife. The wildlife on this project is like no other, and that is why we wanted to take a closer look into which wildlife you could be able to see if you become a volunteer on this project. Let's take a look.
The Orangutans
As a volunteer on this project, your chances of seeing orangutans during your river surveys and rainforests treks are quite high. Please bear in mind that they are wild animals and it is not guaranteedthough! Orangutans are arboreal animals and they spend the vast majority of their time up in trees, but they can often be found down on the banks of the river looking for food and water and this is where you will be most likely to spot the great apes. On average you will see the orangutans one time every four river surveys, so all that is left for you to do is keep your eyes peeled and bring your camera with you!
The Pygmy Elephants
Pygmy Elephants are coming under increasing pressure from deforestation in the local area, and as a result of this they are a rare spot even in their native home. These giants of the jungle have a migratory pattern which means that they appear in the area the project works in infrequently, but when they are in the area you will be able to spot them almost daily when taking part in the river surveys. Your efforts as a volunteer on this project means that you will be part of a team which will be helping to replant trees in the areas they are needed, and this in turn means that the pygmy elephants will have more room to roam and reproduce!
The Bird Life
Over 200 species of bird can be found in the lower Kinabatangan River region and you may well be able to spot a large percentage of the species on your trip, but only if you keep your eyes well and truly peeled! Some of the most spectacular bird species that can be found here include the Serpent Eagle, Brahminy Kites, and the highly sought after Storm's Stork! If you are into bird life then you will be in paradise on the Great Orangutan and Pygmy Elephant Project!
The Monkeys
As you would well imagine, a project which is set as deep in the rainforest as this one will be home to a certain amount of primate based wildlife. There are many monkey species to be found in this region, and some of the most well-known include both the short and long tailed macaques, and the famously unique looking proboscis monkeys. Whilst the orangutans may be the main focus here, they are certainly not the only primates you should be looking out for.
The Reptiles
With so many sources of prey to be found here, it is only logical that there will be a large number of predators trying to take advantage of this situation and that is definitely the case with the reptiles that call this area home! The most commonly encountered reptiles on the project are the water monitor lizards, a variety of snake species, and of course the ancient crocodiles which patrol the waters of the river looking for their next meal. Seeing animals with such power is always a memorable experience, so be sure to watch out as you may get the chance to witness something few others ever have if one of these incredible creatures gets hungry!
The amount of wildlife found on this project is so vast and varied that you would have to come back for many years to see it all, but as a volunteer on the Great Orangutan and Pygmy Elephant Project you will be best placed to see a huge chunk of the incredible ecosystem found here!
