Indonesia
Archipelago
Fires not only directly affect Bornean orangutans by destroying their habitats, but also potentially put the primates at risk of respiratory health issues and disrupting their reproduction, which may push them further to ward extinction, according to conservationists.
A joint conservation team comprising representatives of the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Gunung Palung National Park management, the Internatioal Animal Rescue Foundation Indonesia (YIARI) and local communities evacuate on Aug. 19 one of three Bornean orangutans found in a community plantation in Ketapang regency, West Kalimantan. The orangutans were believed to come from a nearby forest that has been engulfed by wildfire. (Antara/Handout/West Kalimantan BKSDA)
The burning forests and peatlands in Kalimantan are threatening the region’s endemic orangutans, prompting conservation groups and authorities to step up rescue efforts from the blaze spreading through their natural habitats.At least 57,000 hectares of land had been burned across Kalimantan, according to the Forestry Ministry’s record as of late July. Some of the burning forests were homes for the endangered Bornean orangutans, which is already fragmented and reduced by deforestation in the region.
