46 Orangutans rescued from fires in West Kalimantan

Pontianak, W Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and IAR Indonesia Foundation have rescued 46 Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) affected by forest and land fires.

"Between August and October 9, during the wildfire season, at least 46 orangutans were rescued from burning habitats. Securing safe habitats remains an ongoing challenge for conservation efforts," Head of the West Kalimantan BKSDA, Murlan Dameria Pane, said in Pontianak on Sunday.

Of that total, eight orangutans declared healthy were relocated on October 9 to the Batu Nyambu Protection Forest in Ketapang District, West Kalimantan. The relocation followed evacuation, health checks, and observation.

"Wildlife rescue efforts do not stop at rescue and relocation. Both are part of a broader conservation strategy," Murlan said.

The rescued orangutans came from several locations in Ketapang and North Kayong districts. Fires destroyed forest cover and fragmented habitats, leaving the animals isolated in plantation areas with limited food sources and range.

Some orangutans were even trying to survive in plantation areas where only scattered trees remained. For instance, Mama Lifa and her baby, Lifa, were found isolated among acacia trees on a 400-square-meter plot surrounded by oil palm plantations in Pelang Village, Ketapang District.

Meanwhile, Mama Man and her baby, Man, were evacuated from Tempurukan Village in Ketapang on September 3, 2026, after fires encroached on their habitat. Four other orangutans were rescued from Pemangkat Village in North Kayong a day later.

IAR Indonesia Operational Director Argitoe Ranting said selecting release sites requires evaluating food availability, water sources, home range, and connectivity to other forested areas.

The Batu Nyambu Protection Forest—spanning roughly 23,000 hectares- was selected following habitat suitability and ecological carrying capacity studies.

The area features both primary and secondary forest cover and connects to several protected forest areas within the Arabella–Schwaner landscape. A 2023 survey identified the location as a natural orangutan habitat with adequate ecological carrying capacity.

"Translocation is not a final solution. As long as fires persist and habitats remain threatened, rescue efforts must go hand in hand with protecting the remaining forest," Argitoe said.

IAR Indonesia CEO Karmele Llano Sánchez added that several other affected orangutans are still receiving intensive treatment for burns, malnutrition, severe anemia, and other health issues. They will need time to recover before they can be moved to a safe and suitable natural habitat.
Related news: BOSF calls for stronger protection of orangutan habitats

Translator: Rendra Oxtora, Raka Adji
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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