During my two-month internship with the Little Fireface Project in Cipaganti, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the conservation of the Critically Endangered Javan slow loris. I gained hands-on experience observing the behaviour of wild slow lorises and deepened my understanding of the local ecosystem, including the various tree species that serve as sleeping sites or food source for the primates.

I improved my wildlife monitoring skills by using camera traps to observe the animals and record data for research. One of my key contributions was planning and assisting with the construction of slow loris bridges, an important conservation initiative. This involved analysing GPS data to identify ideal bridge locations. One of the highlights of my internship was learning to independently track wild slow lorises using radio telemetry, further developing my field research skills.

My experience also extended to the Cikananga Wildlife Center, where I worked with Aji, a tracker from LFP, to construct more bridges using only sustainable materials such as natural rope instead of rubber, further enriching my practical knowledge of conservation. This internship has broadened my understanding of wildlife conservation and fieldwork.

I also had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture by attending community events such as a traditional wedding, a sports tournament, and Indonesian Independence Day celebrations. These experiences, along with visits to local attractions such as the Papandayan Volcano or playing table tennis with the trackers, provided invaluable insights into Indonesian culture. During these events, I not only deepened my cultural understanding, but also had many opportunities to practice and improve my Indonesian language skills.

I learnt so much during my stay in Cipaganti and I am really grateful for these experiences, which have influenced my research focus for my Master’s thesis.