By Raffaella Commitante
Today the OC/OVAG delegates were the guests of IPB (Bogor Agricultural Institute), a famous university in Bogor.
IPB is a huge campus made of many different buildings housing the various areas of study. The vet building was our destination. Once there, we were given two lectures on parasites by the Department of Veterinary Studies staff. Next came a parasite ‘quiz’ by Dr. Wendi Baily where microscopes were set up with slides of unlabeled parasites and everyone moved from microscope to microscope attempting to identify them. After lunch, the results were discussed. The group then took turns analyzing fresh fecal samples provided by the university to extract samples and prepare slides, then check if anything could be found.
One of our OC/OVAG participants had to leave today – but it was for a very good reason. Ike from BOS Nyaru Menteng was off to Palangkaraya to oversee a new group of orangutans being released. Once back to central Kalimantan, she will make a 3-day trip to the release forest and because she wanted to attend our workshop, she will arrive one day before the release. So she will not have too much time to prepare. There, she will remain for six months to monitor the newly released individuals. I should mention that there is no formal camp in the release forest. The small group of researchers built a make-shift camp created from tarpaulins offering coverage for their beds made from materials found on the forest floor. There is a river nearby to see to their personal needs, and water for cooking and drinking is collected up river from where they bathe. It is then boiled before use. Quite amazing – and for six months! Once Ike is certain the orangutans are adjusting well, she will be able to leave after half-a-year and go back home. The rest of the team will remain to continue their long-term monitoring.
To learn more about the annual OC/OVAG Veterinary Workshops please click here.
The OC Blog is being written this month by Dr. Raffaella Commitante, OC Board Member and facilitator of the OC/OVAG Veterinary Workshop, which is being held in Bogor, Indonesia.
