Overview
Volunteer with Endangered Javan Langur Monkeys on Java Island, Indonesia

The Javan Langur Monkey (Trachypithecus auratus) is an endangered species and their natural population is decreasing due to deforestation, poaching and the illegal trade in these animals. There are currently more than 30 Javan langurs in quarantine at the sanctuary that have been rescued or confiscated. Once at the sanctuary, the monkeys are then put through a rehabilitation program which includes the introduction of natural food, socialization, a medical and psychological check-up and recovery. Volunteers will assist with the rehabilitation process before the monkeys are ready to be released back into the wild. Daily assigned activities include feeding the monkeys and enriching, cleaning and sterilising the enclosures. Some volunteers may assist with field work such as monitoring the released langurs in their natural habitats. If volunteers happen to be present during a release, they can join the team to observe this.

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Working amongst the primates was an immensely rewarding experience. They all have such widely varying personalities and habits, being able to observe them was fantastic!

Hamish Wallace, Project Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Javan langurs are protected by Indonesian law but local poachers are involved in the illegal trade of these endangered monkeys. The Javan Langur Conservation Program functions as a sanctuary to shelter rescued and confiscated langurs. Most monkeys come to the sanctuary in very poor condition due to bad handling and inhumane treatment from their former owners. This mistreatment can have many negative effects; some monkeys natural behaviour changes, others suffer from certain diseases, and nearly all suffer from stress. The sanctuary staff and volunteers rehabilitate the monkeys for release back into the wild.

Highlights

Learning the natural behaviour of the endangered Javan Langurs, creating enrichment-toy materials for the monkeys, enjoying the tropical rain forests and the wildlife.

Location

The sanctuary is located in the foothills of Kawi mountain, East Java, Indonesia. The release sites (where post-release monitoring is conducted) are in Hyang Highland Nature Reserve and Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Both are in East Java, within their natural tropical rain forests.

Field Conditions

Volunteers will stay in rooms (maximum double occupancy) at the sanctuary. Each room consists of twin beds with a pillow and a blanket for each bed. Shared bathrooms and toilets are outside the bedroom. Healthy Indonesian food will be served three times a day. If participating in post-release monitoring, volunteers will stay in tents provided.