The River Patrol Team: Heroes in Way Kambas National Park

The River Patrol team patrolling the border of Way Kambas National Park

This dedicated team heads out on patrol multiple times a month, keeping an eye out for illegal activities like hunting, logging, and wildfires that threaten the park’s incredible wildlife. Their presence doesn’t just stop illegal actions—it’s also helping to prevent future harm too! 

Elephant Protection

One of the team’s biggest challenges is keeping wild elephants from venturing out of the park and into nearby farmland. The team helps to stop these gentle giants from crossing the border, keeping them safe inside the park. When the elephants do roam into farmland, they help to resolve any conflicts with local farmers. 

Fighting Fires

The team has been working hard over the dry season, battling wildfires to protect the park. Over the last few months, they’ve fought six fires, working tirelessly for 12 days to put out the flames. They’ve saved over 2.5 hectares of land from burning. 

These fires are often caused intentionally by poachers, hoping to drive wildlife out into the open where they become easy prey.

But thanks to the team’s quick action, they’ve been stopping these fires before they spread, protecting both the forest and the wildlife living there!

Fighting wildfires

Tackling Illegal Activities

When they’re not fighting fires, the team is on the lookout for illegal activities. Whether it’s spotting human footprints, discarded trash or uncovering snare traps, the team are experts at catching the signs. 

Recently, they caught a man setting up illegal fish nets in the river. The team seized 30 fish traps and removed the nets, stopping the poacher from taking fish illegally.

Wildlife Spotting

One of the best parts of these patrols is getting to see all the incredible wildlife living in the park! The team has spotted some amazing animals recently, like elephants, a mangrove snake, and a Sambar deer. They’ve also seen wild buffalo, wild boar, and even a white-tailed sea eagle. 

The team also discovered signs of other incredible animals, like tiger footprints, markings from a sun bear on a tree, and signs of Sumatran clouded leopards and Malayan tapirs. 

These clues are super important to help the team understand where these animals are in the forest, making sure they get the protection they need.

Marks in the tree from a sun bear

None of this amazing work would be possible without you—our fantastic supporters! Thanks to your help, the River Patrol team can continue to protect Way Kambas National Park, keeping the wildlife safe and ensuring they can thrive in their natural home. Your support is truly making a difference. 

Program: River Patrol Team 
Location: Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia 
Run by: Komunitas Untuk Hutan Sumatera