Gunung Leuser in Aceh and North Sumatra is one of the last Rainforest Systems on Sumatra, which provides base for healthy populations of Sumatra Orang Utan, Sumatra Tiger, Sumatra Elephant, Sumatra Rhino, as well as many other endangered species on this island. The park area starts at an altitude of 0m in Kluet and reaches up to 3.404m to the peak of Gunung Leuser, which gave the area its name. Pristine and untouched rainforests are hosts to an immense Biodiversity of more than 170 mammals, 320 birds and 190 reptiles and amphibians. 7 mayor river systems are floating from the heart of the Leuser Eco System to the east and west coast of Sumatra. Several volcanoes are bedded within the Bukit Barisan mountains. Among the 10.000 plant species recorded in the West Indo Malayan Region, appr 45% can be found in this Eco System.       Several eco systems can be found within the parks borders: beach forest, swamp areas, low land rainforest, alpine areas and mountain forest. Our guides know very well, where to find the different species. But since we are trekking in pure nature, it can not be guaranteed, that any or all kinds of mammals will be seen, even during a long expedition. You should be aware, that you trek and move in pristine wild rainforest, pure nature. It is not like Serengeti or Krueger National Park. The rainforests are very dense and progress on ground is difficult and slow. Especially the Tiger and Leopards are very shy and rarely to be seen. Views of primates, maquaqes, birds, reptiles, insects are frequently. Maquaqes and Thomas Leaf Monkeys are permanent guests near our lodge at Kedah, which is situated under huge rainforest giants. Even Sumatra Orang Utan are visiting us, dependent on fruit season.    Mammals Sumatran Tiger and Rhino, Sumatra Orang Utan, Elephant, Clouded Leopard are the most spectaculous species, living in these pristine rainforests. Other primates like Siamang, Thomas Leaf Monkey, and several species of Maquaqes are very common all over the area. Slow Lori, Golden Cat, Deer, Ozelot, Porcibine, Squirrels, Sunbear are difficult to spot, but living in our areas of activity.   Birds Especially along the Alas river there is a big variety of birds, such as many species of Hornbill, Pheasant, Parrot, Eagle, Kingfisher, Bee-eater, Owl, Wodpecker. Nevertheless there are also many kinds of birds in the jungle, but due to very dense vegetation it is more difficult to watch them. To sight birds you should bring a pair of binoculars. Generally you will see birds on all our trekking and expedition trips very frequently.   Reptiles and Amphibians Both groups are highly represented in the Gunung Leuser Eco System. Among the most famous are several species of Python, the King-Cobra, Black Cobra, Banded Krait, Sumatra Pit Viper, Mangrove snake, many species of Frog, Turtle, Lizard, Iguana. Usually snakes are very shy and flee, whenever they get aware of human beings. Whenever you spot snakes, do not disturb them or do not approach. Crocodiles can still be spotted at lower Alas area.   Flora Gunung Leuser Eco System is host to an unbelievable variety of more than 8.000 plant species. Among them are Giant Trees, Palms, flowers, Orchids, Mangrove Trees. Rafflesia and Amorphophallus are very common on our tours, however, very seldom you can find the flowers. We will pass graceful Bamboos with heights up to 18m. Our guides will inform you about plant-life and fruits in the jungle.       Copyright © 2012, Rainforest Lodge, Kedah www.gunung-leuser-trek.net