KUCHING: The number of orangutans in Sarawak's Ulu Sungai Menyang special conservation area has increased over the last decade, based on the latest population assessment carried out this year.
The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) said the survey, conducted by the WWF-Malaysia terrestrial mammals team in Sarawak, estimated the orangutan population at around 167 individuals, compared to about 115 recorded in 2014.
Despite the positive trajectory, SFC said challenges remained, as the Bornean orangutan remained listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
"This encouraging indication reflects the impact of our sustained management efforts and strong collaboration with the state Forest Department, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Malaysia, Borneo Adventure, WWF-Malaysia and local communities.
"While the results are positive, continued vigilance is essential. Orangutans are highly sensitive to habitat changes and long-term protection must remain a priority," said SFC’s general manager, Abang Arabi Abang Aimran, in a statement on Friday (Nov 21).
Ulu Sungai Menyang in Batang Ai was the only known viable orangutan population outside totally protected areas in Sarawak.
It currently accounts for about 8% of the state's total orangutan population
WWF-Malaysia Sarawak conservation program head Cynthia Chin emphasised that any new developments in Ulu Sungai Menyang must be carefully planned to ensure that conservation progress is not jeopardised.
"Development is a much-needed driver of progress for Sarawak. The challenge and opportunity before us are to position Sarawak as a regional example of how to build infrastructure while maintaining biodiversity and natural heritage," she added.
WCS Malaysia country director Dr Mark Rayan Darmaraj said Ulu Sungai Menyang was a model landscape showcasing how community stewardship and strong partnerships led to measurable conservation outcomes.
"Orangutans are vital seed dispersers and indicators of forest health.
"Protecting them helps secure the resilience of Sarawak’s forests and the many benefits they provide," he said.
SFC also said the upcoming revision to the Sarawak Orangutan Strategic Action Plan would provide the framework for long-term scientific monitoring and research, better law enforcement and patrols, habitat management and connectivity planning, community engagement and sustainable livelihood initiatives in key orangutan landscapes.
"SFC will continue working with all stakeholders to safeguard Sarawak’s natural heritage so that future generations can continue to benefit from our rich forests and wildlife," Abang Arabi said.
