Why the Leuser Ecosystem is Irreplaceable
Hidden within the heart of Sumatra, Indonesia, lies one of the most extraordinary and irreplaceable landscapes on Earth—the Leuser Ecosystem.
Covering 2.6 million hectares across the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra, this vast rainforest is the only place left on Earth where Sumatran orangutans, tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses coexist in the wild.
It is a haven for some of Sumatra’s most endangered wildlife, and beyond its megafauna, Leuser is a biodiversity powerhouse, teeming with life found nowhere else.
That’s why Raw Conservation Adventures was originally born. To protect the incredible biodiversity within Sumatra by supporting the conservation work of local programs and communities that live in and around the Gunung Leuser National Park within the Leuser Ecosystem in North Sumatra, Indonesia.
A Haven for Critically Endangered Species
Over 85% of the remaining Sumatran orangutans call the Leuser Ecosystem home, swinging through its ancient canopy.
This forest is also one of the last refuges for the Sumatran tiger, whose numbers have dwindled due to habitat destruction and poaching.
Even more critically, with fewer than 80 individuals left in the wild, the Sumatran rhinoceros exists mostly within this ecosystem, making it a final hope for the species' survival.
The Sumatran elephant, too, depends on Leuser’s forests for its migratory paths and food sources.
A Lifeline for Millions
Beyond wildlife, the Leuser Ecosystem plays a crucial role in sustaining millions of people. Its rivers provide clean drinking water and irrigation for farming communities. The dense rainforest acts as a carbon sink, mitigating climate change by absorbing vast amounts of CO₂. Its mountains and peatlands prevent natural disasters such as floods and landslides, protecting villages and farmlands.
A Fragile Future
Despite its importance, Leuser faces severe threats from illegal logging, palm oil plantations, road development, and wildlife poaching. Deforestation is pushing wildlife closer to extinction while disrupting the lives of local communities. Yet, there is hope—grassroots conservation efforts, responsible eco-tourism, and global advocacy are making a difference.
Protecting the Irreplaceable
Leuser is more than just a forest—it is an ecosystem that sustains life on a massive scale. Losing it would mean losing species that have existed for millions of years, displacing communities, and accelerating climate change.
By supporting ethical conservation programs, responsible tourism, and sustainable local industries, we can ensure that this priceless ecosystem remains intact for future generations.
