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April 2010

Tiptoeing through tiger territory

Adult female tiger

 One of the most amazing things about working in a tropical forest is the ever-present thrill of what I might encounter next. On our last field trip, myself and our six research assistants woke up just before dawn to the unmistakable, deep resonating growl of a tiger, less than 200m from our tents. It was a little unnerving as it seemed to be circling us, but we knew it was just letting us know that we were in its territory.

 

Rain, rain, go away!

Muddy road

 It is a big relief to be at the end of the rainy season. Following a long dry season when our fire fighting teams were on high alert, we have experienced long periods of extremely heavy rain which brought a different challenge. Travel to and from, and within, Harapan Rainforest has become increasingly difficult, with roads and bridges being completely washed away or developing deep pot holes, some larger than the vehicles themselves.