Mongabay · Climate & nature

Orangutan Rescue Underway in Fire-Ravaged Indonesian Oil Palm Concession

Conservationists are urgently working to rescue orangutans from a peat-swamp forest within an RSPO-certified oil palm concession in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, where fires have severely impacted High Conservation Value (HCV) areas.

A 657-hectare HCV area, home to an estimated 50-60 Bornean orangutans, has been significantly affected by fire. Rescue efforts are hampered by fallen trees, smoke, and dangerously hot ground. Five orangutans have been rescued so far, with six others located but not yet retrieved.

The fires began on August 8 and spread into the HCV forest. Satellite analysis indicates that much of the 657-hectare area has been burned. A larger HCV area of 2,330 hectares, which previously supported around 200 orangutans, has also been partially affected.

PT Kayung Agro Lestari (KAL), the concession owner, states it has a strict zero-burning policy. However, fires have been rare in the past when the company had agreements with local villages to maintain this policy. The company was recently acquired by First Resources.

The rescue operation is part of a wider effort to protect orangutans facing increased fire risks due to El Niño conditions, which bring hotter and drier weather to Indonesia.

The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of RSPO certification, as a significant portion of the certified HCV forest has burned. An independent investigation has been called for, with suggestions to suspend KAL's certification.

The fires have also impacted other wildlife, with the HCV areas supporting hundreds of mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species. The long-term recovery of the forest is uncertain.

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