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Olivia Wassmer spent several months to observed bands of unflanged Sumatran orangutans moved around in North Sumatera.  She conducted the observation of this critically endangered species as part of her research to understand their dispersal pattern. In biological sciences, dispersal is defined as both the movement from a birth site to a breeding site and from one breeding site to another. Related to the Orangutans, she stated that the Orangutans known as a large ape with long-distance dispersal. She presented her part of the research story in the Guest Lecture event held by the Department of Biology (13/07/2018). 

She said that the research conducted by using behavioral data collection during full day focal and genomic data from the research station Suaq Balimbing in northern Sumatra. Additionally, she explained that the dispersing individual is expected to evolve some kind of strategies to cope with the costs of being confronted by a new physical as well as social environment. 

"In the end, our research might lead to new insights crucial for conservation of the Sumatran orangutans", Wassmer concluded her speech.

Wassmer is Master of Science in Anthropology student of University of Zürich, Switzerland. She is part of a research collaboration network member together with Dr. Puji Rianti S.Si. M.Si. and Dr. Ir. Dyah Perwitasari M.Sc., 

"We are eager to spread the knowledge of new finding of Orangutans in Sumatera while we are continuing our research collaborated with overseas scientists", Puji said to close the Guest Lecture Event.