Paws on the Frontline

In the rainforests of Southeast Aceh, two unusual new recruits have joined the frontline of forest protection.

Levi, a Bavarian Mountain Hound, and Bodhan, a Gończy Polski, are the first members of FKL's new K9 Unit — specially trained scent-tracking dogs working alongside rangers to detect threats including poaching and encroachment.

Launched by Forum Konservasi Leuser in collaboration with Gunung Leuser National Park, the initiative adds another layer to the protection of some of Leuser's most important wildlife habitat.

But the dogs are only half the team. FKL handlers Adlani and Redi, together with veterinarian Risky, completed intensive training at the Sumatra Wildlife Centre in April 2025, supported by Wildlife Protection Solutions and Jakarta Animal Aid Network. They are now equipped to deploy Levi and Bodhan around forest entry points vulnerable to illegal activity.

With their exceptional tracking ability and stamina, the dogs can help ranger teams follow trails that might otherwise disappear into dense rainforest — strengthening the capacity of local conservation teams to detect and respond to threats.

For FKL, the K9 Unit represents something bigger than a new conservation tool. It is part of an evolving approach to protecting Leuser: combining experienced local teams, field intelligence and new techniques to stay one step ahead of the pressures facing the forest.