Jeepney Gives a Fig!

While journeying through the Malaysian state of Sabah in northern Borneo, we ended up at the Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, located hard by its cappuccino-colored namesake river.

 

 

This area is Ground Zero for an incredibly diverse and abundant gathering of wildlife, including seven species of primate, incredible birds of all shapes and colors, saltwater crocodile, monitor lizard, Bearded pig, civets, and a subspecies of Asian elephant, the Borneo Pygmy elephant.  We noticed the Camp, operated by local wildlife supporter Robert Chong, was championing a fundraiser for the planting of tree seedlings, the goal to help build up riverside habitat for the native fauna, especially the elephants and the amazing orangutans.

Over time, much of northern Borneo has been overwhelmed by the planting of palm trees for the huge palm oil industry, and groups like the Jungle Camp are trying to help bring back the native fauna.  Jeepney Projects Worldwide made a small donation to purchase the seedlings of 30 Cluster Fig trees (Ficus racemosa) for planting, a reliable, year-round fruit source for the wonderful critters in the neighborhood.

With help from Robert, the amazing Fida, and the rest of those at the Camp, we helped plant a few of the seedlings, and are now keeping our fingers crossed that these little plants will grow to be the huge and most necessary food sources they’re meant to be!  You can learn more about the Lodge here – contact them about what you can do to help this amazing part of the world!