CORE Borneo is a registered non-profit ( 501(c)3) that was formed to support orangutan and tropical peatland forest conservation by supporting scientific research conducted by Universities (Rutgers and Universitas Nasional) at Tuanan, training future scientists, environmental education, and support for engaging local communities in conservation.

The Tuanan Orangutan Research Station is the physical manifestation of CORE Borneo’s mission. Established in 2003, this long-term project is based out of the Tuanan research camp in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. This area has one of the highest densities of wild orangutans in Borneo.

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Orangutans are critically endangered great apes

Indonesian peat-swamps are unlike any other tropical forests. They harbor high densities of orangutans and other unique, endangered animals!

These ecosystems and their inhabitants face numerous threats including logging and forest fires.

In addition to ecological research, CORE Borneo and TORP work to engage local communities in collaborative conservation.

CORE conducts research projects focusing on orangutan behavior, ecology, and health. Our research takes place in the KPHL Kapuas Kahayan Area (formerly the Mawas Conservation Area), Central Kalimantan Indonesia. The KPHL Kapuas Kahayan Area was identified as a conservation target area, not only to preserve the ecologically valuable peatland ecosystem, but also to protect the critical habitat it provides for approximately 3,500 wild orangutans. With our ongoing long-term research we are generating a unique set of interdisciplinary data that will provide important insights into the conservation and management of wild and re-introduced orangutan populations. To this end, we are collecting detailed data on the orangutan population at TORP, with a focus on three types of data collection activities: 1) behavioral observations; 2) non-invasively collected biological samples; and 3) monitoring spatial and temporal variation in forest characteristics. Our goal is to provide additional funding to undergraduate and graduate students (both Indonesian and International) to support orangutan and peatland research activities. This research will be the basis for developing educational materials

With the financial assistance of foundations, private donors, and the public, CORE collects data on orangutans and incorporates the results of its research into written materials that are accessible to members of the general public, as well as to zoos, orangutan rehabilitation centers, grassroots leaders and policymakers. These materials are announced through social media to ensure that the general public is aware of their availability. Through donor generosity, we hope to raise enough funds that CORE will be able to sponsor workshops on results of the research for citizens and community leaders.

While CORE may express a point of view or set forth recommendations on an issue, all publications are written with a view toward exploring the broad range of approaches and solutions to complex issues in order to ensure a full and open-minded presentation of the facts. All projects and resulting publications are approved by the Board of Directors.