2025 Dates
2 weeks: 2 weeks terrestrial only – 13 July – 26 July 2025
This two week expedition will be spent in the forests of the Wallacea region on Buton Island.
North Buton Forest biodiversity experience
The North Buton Nature Reserve (NBNR; 82,000 ha) represents a mountainous, mostly unexplored area of primary rainforest. The reserve represents an important refuge for the highly unique and threatened wildlife of the Wallacea region. In particular, it is a critical stronghold for the endangered Anoa, a CITES listed species akin to a dwarf-buffalo. Expedition participants will assist a team of biologists documenting rainforest biodiversity found within the NBNR, as well as surrounding secondary forest and farmland areas. Surveys will focus on various taxonomic groups, including birds, reptiles, butterflies and the Anoa. Night searches for nocturnal wildlife will be undertaken along rivers that flow through the reserve, as well as surveys undertaken for frugivorous and insectivorous bats. Survey techniques include point counts (birds), pit-fall trapping (reptiles), sweep nets (butterflies) camera traps (Anoa), as well as mist nets and harp-traps (frugivorous and insectivorous bats). Survey efforts will focus upon Wallacean endemic species that hold the most significance for local conservation efforts. It is possible that previously unrecorded species will be discovered given that surveys will be undertaken in remote forests that remain poorly understood by science. Forest structure (habitat) surveys will assist scientists to better understand the impact of human-induced disturbance (illegal logging and farmland encroachment) upon Wallacea’s unique wildlife communities. Finally, a wildlife ecology course comprising both lectures and practical activities will be offered to all those joining the expedition.
The Wallacea region within the Indonesian archipelago has been isolated from continental land masses for millennia. Deep ocean trenches have prevented land-bridge connections during periods of lowered sea levels. The resulting long periods of isolation have lead to the evolution of high levels of endemism across the Wallacea region such that today it is recognised as a global hotspot for biodiversity.
Throughout the tropical regions of the world, the clearing of rainforests for agriculture and illegal logging practices have led to the degradation of the most biodiverse regions on the Earth. The North Buton Nature Reserve is a critically important protected area for the conservation of biodiversity within the Wallacea region. Despite this, the reserve remains under constant threat from local farming communities seeking to convert rainforest into farmland as well as logging of trees within the reserve for high value commercial timber.
Operation Wallacea’s terrestrial research project in Indonesia seeks to understand the impact of human-induced disturbance upon highly unique and threatened rainforest communities found within the Wallacea region. Biodiversity surveys will be undertaken within primary forest habitats found deep within the North Buton Nature Reserve as well as disturbed forest sites located on the periphery of the reserve and on adjacent farmland. Such research provides important insight into understanding how different rainforest species are impacted by human activity, enabling the identification of endemic species most vulnerable to disturbance and as such a priority for conservation.
Most of our volunteers fundraise for their expedition costs. Find out more.
Climate
In the tropical rainforests of Indonesia is is generally warm during the day (around 25 degrees Celsius), and humid, with up to 80% humidity. At night the temperatures drop lower, but not usually lower than around 15 degrees Celsius. It rains very frequently, and very heavily at times, but for short periods.
The forest camp is accessed via a 45 minute hike over fairly flat terrain. This hike includes several river crossings, so walking sandals (e.g. TEVA) are recommended. The North Buton forest camp is set up with camp beds and mosquito nets inside large communal tents. There is a communal eating area and a forest lecture theatre. The camp has a basic field toilet and shower system, or bathing can be done in the nearby river (recommended!). A steep climb to the primary forest transects requires a high level of fitness at this camp. Conditions can get very muddy following heavy rainfall! Relaxing and socialising in the river that runs beside the camp is a great way to recover after a long, hard day of forest surveys. The camp has no reliable phone signal.
Fitness level required
High for the forest sites. You will need to hike for long periods, over steep and muddy terrain, at times with your large rucksack.
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