Leuser Range

The Leuser Range is a mountainous region in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, primarily within Aceh province, that forms the backbone of the Leuser Ecosystem. It includes extensive tracts of tropical rainforest that transition from lowland jungle to montane forests at higher elevation.

Large parts of the range are protected within Gunung Leuser National Park and related reserves and constitute critical habitat for a suite of endangered species, notably the Sumatran orangutan, Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros and elephant. The area is a focus for conservation, scientific research and guided eco-tourism such as jungle treks and wildlife observation.

Historically the forests have supported local communities through subsistence use, and in more recent decades conservation authorities and NGOs have worked to establish and manage protected areas to curb deforestation and protect biodiversity. Access into core rainforest areas typically requires permits and organised guides.

The Leuser Range sits in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, spanning parts of Aceh and adjacent provinces and forming part of the island’s Barisan mountain chain.

• Biodiversity: Home to critically endangered species including the Sumatran orangutan, Sumatran tiger, Sumatran rhinoceros and Asian elephant, making it a global biodiversity hotspot.

What to See #

• Gunung Leuser National Park: Contains Gunung Leuser National Park, a core protected area within the Leuser Ecosystem that preserves lowland and montane rainforest and key wildlife habitat.