East Kalimantan's BKSDA deploys team to monitor roadside orangutan
Samarinda, E Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has deployed a team to monitor a Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) frequently spotted along the Sangatta-Rantau Pulung road in East Kutai District.
"We have deployed a team to monitor the reported orangutan," East Kalimantan BKSDA chief M. Ari Wibawanto said in Samarinda on Tuesday.
Residents who frequently use the interdistrict road reported repeated sightings of the protected animal.
The large orangutan, with reddish-brown fur, was seen eating seeds and young leaves along the roadside.
"We will provide further information on technical measures after the team completes its search of the area," Ari said.
The animal was spotted very close to Kutai National Park, its natural habitat.
"We urge motorists using the road not to approach, chase, or feed the orangutan for everyone's safety," Ari said.
Yuristio, a resident who frequently travels the road, said he had seen the orangutan several times.
"I have seen an orangutan on that road nearly three times. Sometimes it stays by the roadside, and sometimes it crosses the road," he said in Sangatta, East Kutai, on Monday.
The Sangatta-Rantau Pulung road, where the orangutan forages, runs near Kutai National Park, its natural habitat.
The orangutan usually appears by the roadside in the late afternoon. Its large body can resemble a fallen tree trunk from a distance.
Passing vehicles raise concerns about possible accidents involving the wild orangutan.
"Usually, vehicles have to stop and wait for the orangutan to cross or return to the forest," he said.
Some motorists briefly stop when they see the orangutan crossing the road toward the forest.
The East Kalimantan BKSDA and conservation-resort officers continue monitoring the animal's movements and searching for nests around the area.
The East Kalimantan BKSDA continues its conservation efforts to protect the Bornean orangutan population in East Kutai.
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Translator: Ahmad R, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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