It summarized 34 raptor species recently known from Sumatra, updating previous lists of 32 species. A total of 19 species were recorded as residents in Sumatra: eight endemic subspecies and 18 migratory species. In Asia, migratory raptors breed in eastern Russia, China, Mongolia, Nepal, and Japan. They spend the winter in Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Bali, and the Indonesian islands to the south. As we see in their migration map, Sumatra is one of the vital land bridges for their migration line. Raptors are influenced by food sources. During the migration, these particular needs are all set aside, and they fly and hunt within close proximity.
All raptor species in Indonesia are protected by Indonesian conservation laws; Together, SUMECO and the authority of Gunung Leuser National Park have rescued more than 50 raptors (birds of prey) around Bukit Lawang. Raptors (birds of prey) in Bukit Lawang play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem of Gunung Leuser National Park. Predatory birds such as hawks, eagles, and even owls contribute significantly to Gunung Leuser National Park’s ecosystem stability. A study conducted by SUMECO has reported that the agriculture harvest season or fruit season has been significantly stable in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra, due to the balanced population numbers of raptors in certain areas.
Animals such as raptors gave me a huge experience and taught me a lot about life, including that everything should be based on natural equilibrium, which leads me to the level of consciousness that natural equilibrium requires us to show our responsibility. Most of the rescued raptors are orphans, especially after their parents were shot or illegally captured by the villagers or workers on palm oil plantations. People suspected the nesting raptors were those who preyed on the chickens in the village, despite the fact that they are not raptor species that primarily prey on chickens. Bobi Handoko (founder of SUMECO).
SUMECO (Sumatra Ecoproject) is a wildlife conservation organization based in Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra, we are committed to conducting responsible tourism activities. to support the preservation of the biodiversity of Gunung Leuser National Park.
