Sumba
Take a step back in time on the island of Sumba, one of Indonesia’s least developed islands. Recent investment has led to some improvements in infrastructure and this is having an impact on the wildlife. Though few mammals live on the island, it is home to nearly 200 species of birds, but these are diminishing fast, thanks to deforestation and a thriving illegal bird trade.
Sumatra
The Indonesian island of Sumatra is home to some of the most diverse tropical forests on earth; stocked with carnivorous plants and the two largest flowers in the world, as well as some of the most majestic animals. Unfortunately these are also some of the most endangered, including the Sumatran tiger, rhino, and the orangutan, whose treetop homes are being lost to palm oil plantations. The Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme is doing extensive work to raise community awareness and investigate reforested sites.
Bali
Bright, vibrant Bali is popular with tourists for its friendly and welcoming vibe. It’s also home to the critically endangered Bali starling, found only on the tiny Bali island of Nusa Penida. The white bird is the national mascot but has been hunted to near extinction, prompting conservation breeding efforts from organisations such as the Begawan Foundation and its Bali Starling Conservation Project. Elsewhere, the shy wild banteng (cattle) hide in the increasingly sparse forests, threatened by deforestation and hunting.
Sulawesi
Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s principal islands. Famed for its mountains and coastline, the island of 15 million inhabitants boasts lively festivals, unusual architecture and the critically endangered Sulawesi macaque, which the Tangkoko Conservation Project is making great efforts to save.
Panay
In the heart of the Philippines, the lively and densely populated island of Panay has an enormous coastline and gloriously jungly mountains. Extensive farming on the island has had a huge impact on wildlife, threatening the survival of the impressively mohicanned warty pig, the rarest of all wild pigs.
Papua
Papua’s rainforests are home to more than 300 different tribes, mostly dependent on the forest for survival. Among this number are some who have never made contact with anyone from outside their community. The island is also home to the Cassowary: widely considered to be one of the most dangerous birds on Earth, they nevertheless play a key role in spreading seeds throughout the forest.
Meet the Islanders at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo’s new 15-acre Islands exhibit celebrates the fascinating ecological diversity of south-east Asia. Visitors enjoy a boat journey around six different habitats, with a team of volunteers on hand to bring the story of each distinct island to life, putting into context the work being done to save many of the species you will encounter along the way.
