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Planting fig trees at Sepilok

We have purchased and planted 100 fig trees for the orangutans at Sepilok, and you could help us cover the cost.

12/11/2024

Why fig trees?

Sabah is home to around 85 species of Ficus tree, making it one of the most diverse regions for this plant group. In the Bornean rainforest, ficus or fig trees are highly valued because they produce small, sweet fruits year-round, providing a dependable food source for a variety of animals, including orangutans, hornbills, monkeys, and civets.

Orangutan in a Ficus tree

As a result of the wide range of wildlife that feed on their fruit they are considered a keystone species. Animals that digest the fruit help to disperse the seeds throughout the forest. This supports rainforest regeneration and maintains biodiversity, making fig trees crucial to the ecosystem’s resilience.

Orangutan in a Ficus tree eating a fig

Recognising the importance of fig trees, we chose to incorporate them into the orangutans' rehabilitation at Sepilok. These trees will encourage the orangutans to engage in natural foraging behaviours, helping them rely less on the food provided by the center.

With dense foliage and strong branches, fig trees are also ideal for providing shelter and ample opportunities for nesting. Additionally, they will offer environmental enrichment, creating a stimulating and supportive habitat that promotes healthier, more self-sufficient behaviors for rehabilitating orangutans.

Following the collection of 100 trees, consisting of 8 different species, our team set to work planting the saplings in and around the orangutan nurseries.

Young Bornean orangutan climbing up a Ficus tree

You can help

Buy a Festive Fig Tree

This Christmas, buy a tree that has a lasting impact on future generations of orangutans - purchase a Festive Fig Tree!

Help us cover the cost of purchasing, planting and maintaining 100 fig trees. You'll receive a special certificate of thanks by email to print or forward to a loved one this Christmas.

Buy a Festive Fig Tree
  • A vehicle with fig trees in the back on a dirt road.
  • A close up of fig trees in the back of the vehicle.
  • Fig trees in plant pots lined up before planting.
  • Five men standing in a row holding Ficus tree in plant pots before planting.
  • A man standing in the rainforest planting a fig tree.
  • A women looking down at a fig tree
  • A man standing in the rainforest planting a fig tree
  • Ficus tree fruit.
  • A man standing in the rainforest planting a fig tree.
  • A man standing with a fig tree.
  • Three people standing in the rainforest planting a fig tree.
  • Fig tree planted in the ground
  • Ficus tree planted at Sepilok
  • Ficus tree planted at Sepilok

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