By Roisin Claridge | Head of Communications
The Leuser Ecosystem is the only place on Earth where wild orangutans, tigers, rhinos, and elephants roam together. Yet in the Tenggulun forest block, illegal oil palm plantations left forests fragmented and bare.
Planting 5,000 native seedlings
Today, our local partners at PETAI are turning the tide — working with local people to restore 150 hectares of land. The PETAI team is currently focusing on 35 hectares of former plantation land, and have planted 5,000 native tree seedlings. Next, PETAI built a second 45,000-seedling nursery deep in the restoration area. Equipped with shaded beds and solar power, this hub cuts transport times and gives wild saplings time to adapt before taking root.
Wildlife is returning!
The team collected 10,000 wild seedlings, including Meranti, Beringin, and pioneer Macaranga trees, sourced directly from surrounding forests to ensure the best ecological fit for the restoration. Then, thirteen community members — seven men and six women — filled 36,500 polybags in the new nursery using organic compost mixtures.
The results of PETAI’s hard work is already evident – wildlife is returning! Routine field patrols have recorded signs of elephants and porcupines returning to the restoration area.
Boots-on-the-ground conservation
Our Conservation Director recently visited Tenggulun to join the team on the ground and check on restoration progress. During the visit, PETAI demonstrated how aerial monitoring gives a clearer view of forest canopy recovery and broader landscape trends over time.
Hands-on field visits like this ensure our restoration work stays on track — and, of course, provide a great opportunity to plant a few trees
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