Diary Entry from Buton Island, Indonesia

17:00 – Writing this, I am sat in the dining area at the centre of Camp Anoa. Today, I have completed a habitat survey, followed by a refreshing wash in the river, then lunch, and finally we listened to two guest lectures. A couple of groups are relaxing in between their activities: my friends have just started playing volleyball after finishing up their card game, some are quietly reading and soaking in the scenery, others chatting, and another group has just come back from the river- everyone is in such good spirits!

Photo by Georgina Binns

We’re all closed in by dense, vibrant jungle, which reaches up with such impressive green leaves. The sounds of the species here are constantly ringing- it’s a genuinely unique and magical atmosphere.

I started today with a short hike across several rivers to Transect 6. With heat and mud, it’s not always easy, but the moments where you let yourself stop to look around make it so worth it! We did survey work on an area of a transect, taking a variety of measurements which contribute to the conservation efforts on Buton Island.

Yesterday, we walked a transect surveying butterflies, and the day before, we heard Hornbills and searched for anoa tracks on the mountain- there is such a vast array of life to discover. Still, we wouldn’t be able to access and appreciate this without the expertise of the leaders and guides, who are so knowledgeable about this area and who are constantly beaming with positivity. I’m so grateful for all of their guidance and support!

Photo by Jelle Boef

Everyone has really been enjoying the river, which has perfectly clear water and deep areas with even little waterfalls. It really does make a difference in morale when you’re cool and clean, so we’re very lucky to have such a scenic place to bathe. Soon we will have another lecture, and after that will be dinner, and then a night walk, which I’m really looking forward to! So far we’ve looked at birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, habitats, and megafauna. This along with all of the fun social and leisure activities in between has made this trip genuinely unforgettable, and I hope to make the most out of it while we’re here.

Title photo by Benjamin Sadd