Stories: Environment

1. Cendrawasih/Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea minor)

Habitat: Papua Province, Indonesia
Conservation Status: Protected under IUCN LC (Least Concern) and Indonesian regulation (Republic of Indonesia LHK Regulation No.106 of 2018)

Cendrawasih bird, also known as the “Bird of Paradise”, is a stunning symbol of an intact forest ecosystem, recognised for its role in pollination and seed dispersal. Males of the species boast vibrant feathers, from deep reds to iridescent blues, while local myths celebrate the Bird of Paradise as a sacred creature, believed by the Ansus ethnic group in Papua to embody ancestral spirits.

“Seeing the bright feathers of the Bird of Paradise reminds us just how interconnected our forests are. Their presence is a great sign of a balanced ecosystem,” explains Denizen Banurea, our Conservation Value and Biodiversity Improvement Officer.

In collaboration with Cendrawasih University, our team is creating management guidelines to protect these birds within their habitats. This initiative encourages the birds to flourish near our plantations, where they can coexist in preserved forest patches and native vegetation.

2. The Silvered Langur/Lutung (Trachypithecus cristatus)

Habitat: South Sumatra Province, Indonesia
Conservation Status: Protected under Indonesian regulation (Republic of Indonesia LHK Regulation No.106 of 2018) and VU (Vulnerable) under IUCN Red List.

The silvered langurs, or lutung, are gentle, intelligent primates which are known for their unique, punk-like crests and their diet, which mainly consists of fruits, leaves, and flowers. Adapted to high-fibre diet, their specialised digestive system allows them to break down tough plant materials effectively.

Acting as “forest gardeners”, they play an essential role in dispersing seeds for vegetation growth. Langurs are vital indicators of a forest’s regenerative health, directly supporting vegetation dynamics through their diet and behaviours.

Langurs thrive in protected habitats, which we carefully monitor each year. Conservation around palm plantations requires diligent monitoring and cooperation. Our HCV areas provide shelter and food sources for langurs, allowing them to live in harmony with sustainable agriculture.

3. Kuwuk Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)

Habitat: Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia
Conservation Status: Listed in CITES Appendix II

Known for its solitary and nocturnal lifestyle, the Kuwuk cat is a small yet effective predator that balances prey populations within forest ecosystems. As a mesopredator – a mid-ranking predator within the food chain – the Kuwuk cat plays an essential role in regulating small mammal and bird populations, which keeps ecosystem dynamics stable. Adaptable to a range of environments, this cat’s survival is critical for maintaining prey-predator balance.

GAR’s conservation measures for the Kuwuk cat include annual monitoring and maintaining forest cover. “We prioritise forest buffers and native cover crops to meet their specific habitat requirements, allowing these adaptable predators to thrive alongside palm cultivation,” Denizen adds.

4. Burung Nuri (Eclectus roratus)

Habitat: Papua Province, Indonesia
Conservation Status: Protected under CITES Appendix II and Indonesian regulation (Republic of Indonesia LHK Regulation No.106 of 2018)

With vivid red and green feathers, Eclectus parrots are one of the world’s few dimorphic parrot species, where males and females have distinctly different colours. Female parrots, being territorial and fiercely protective of nesting sites, add to forest pollination and seed dispersal.

Through a partnership with Universitas Cendrawasih (UNCEN), GAR works to protect these vibrant parrots in the HCV areas. By preserving mature trees within HCV zones, we provide essential nesting sites that support sustainable parrot populations and forest regeneration.

5. Whistling Kite/Elang Siul (Haliastur sphenurus)

Habitat: Papua Province, Indonesia
Conservation Status: Protected under CITES Appendix II and Indonesian regulation (Republic of Indonesia LHK Regulation No.106 of 2018)

The Whistling Kite, or Elang Siul, is an apex predator whose keen eyesight allows it to spot prey from great distances. Known for their unique calls, which can resonate across wide territories, Whistling Kites help control populations of small mammals and birds, keeping ecosystems balanced.

Working with UNCEN, our team is developing guidelines to maintain the habitats of these raptors. We focus on preserving canopy-level vegetation that provides hunting perches, so that our land use supports both raptor populations and sustainable agriculture.