In the Beginning!

16th of December 2013

A LIFE CHANGE

Kangaroos at our house in Australia

Setting up the Wild Volunteer website just over a year ago, the LittleFireface Project was one of the first organisations to jump on board!

Naturally, I wanted to learn as much as possible about this project and of course the Javan Slow Loris.  What I discovered, was the project was instrumental in efforts to protect all Slow Loris species throughout Asia with the Javan Slow Loris being one of eight currently described.  The more that I learned about the project, the more I just ‘knew’ I had to volunteer with these guys.

So, a huge change in my life in Australia propelled me toward my goal and that was it.... I took off!!

 Michael and I arriving at Bandung Airport

ASIA HERE I COME!

First stop via Air Asia was the West Javan city of Bandung (Bun-doong) at Bandara Husein SastranegaraBandung International Airport.  Bandung and its international airport is the closest arrival point to the project’s research site.  At the arrival gate we were warmly greeted by two of the project members in Denise Spaan (LFP co-ordinator - Netherlands) and Josie Phillips (LFP field researcher – Wales U.K.).  It was instantly comfortable throughout the more than four hours’ drive to the projects field station; situated in a rural Muslim community in a small village at the base of an active volcano – Mt. Papandayan.  The enthusiasm shown by Denise and Josie was contagious and so refreshing to see young individuals so passionate and dedicated to conservation issues that they would be pro-active and pursue them.

The view of the volcano from our village

HOME

Arriving at our destination and our new home for the next three months, we were met by the project’s other team member in Charlotte Young (field researcher/youth education – Bristol U.K) by squeals of joy and complete happiness – the team was now complete.  The project field station in across from a beautiful Mosque with 'call to prayer' occurring over loud-speakers throughout the day.  Something that at first I didn't think I would get used to, but embracing it, I now actually look forward to it.

Getting settled in, I had the night to sit down and get to know who I would be working with.  Denise, Josie, Charlotte, myself and Michael all seem to get along with each other like old friends and as the excitement built, the anticipation of things to come grew.  The education of the children here in the village is an essential component to the future survival of the Slow Loris and hearing what Charlotte had implemented during here four months here I was truly inspired and could not wait to get involved. 

VILLAGE LIFE

A local farmer poses for a photo

Village life here is completely awesome!

The locals are so lovely and friendly with everyone and I mean everyone saying “HELLO” to you accompanied by a huge smile and uncontrolled laughter from the children.  There is no resentment towards you as a foreigner in their home, as it is quite the opposite and you are treated as a welcomed guest with everyone wanting to greet you. 

The nearest town which is an hour-long walk downhill is always jam-packed with children following you for quite some distance yelling “Hallo Mister” or “Hallo Mister Bean”.  Farmers wave, shop keepers wave and greet you in relation to the time of day; “Selamat pagi” (Good morning), “Selamat siang” (Good afternoon) and people that are getting on with their daily chores, such as re-building motorcycle engines or building houses all take the time to greet you accordingly and ask you where you are going “Mau ke mana?”  Then you can answer “Jalan-jalan” which means “Just Walking”.

There is so much that goes on in the lives of Indonesians and they are kept busy every day, but all without any stress of time restrictions – the very things that we in the western world are subjected to daily.

THE RESEARCH BEGINS

I would soon discover however, that the Javan Slow Loris would be more than a volunteer experience, but become a passion that would change my life forever...

Javan slow loris

We get to observe the Javan Slow Loris; recording data on behaviour the animal displays as a part of its nightly routine for ongoing studies.  How does the Loris move?  What do they eat and how do they catch what they eat? How often do they groom and for how long?  How often do they come together and interact with each other? How far do they travel in a night? And so on.

In a team of two to three individuals which includes a local tracker, a six hour shift three to four nights a week is normal, with opportunities for extra shifts if wanted or required.  Nothing can prepare you for just how special and unique these animals are!  As the project has 15 Loris (all of which have their individual names) under observation, the animals are routinely monitored.  Once located either by radio transmitter with the signal sent by a collar on certain animals, or by pure chance you come across an un-collared animal, watching as they navigate through all kinds of vegetation with ease, they truly are masters of their environment.  As white lights are normally used to navigate through to where the desired animal is located, it is then that all observations are carried out under red light.  This ensures that no stress is caused to the animal..  

SLOW LORIS NOT SO SLOW

For those that want to become a part of this unique project, it is worth knowing that the common name given to these magnificent creatures is somewhat misleading.  The Slow Loris is far from slow – moving great distances in literally the blink of an eye is an understatement as they can be lost from sight without any warning, so don’t blink or you will lose them!!

More to come soon... Because travel shouldn't have to cost the earth

*Photographs courtesy of IT'S A WILDLIFE - Nature and Wildlife Photography