Mongabay · Climate & nature

Orangutans Rescued Amidst Spreading Wildfires in Borneo

Conservationists are saving critically endangered Bornean orangutans from wildfires exacerbated by El Niño. Seven orangutans were rescued in August, with one dying from smoke exposure.

Conservationists rescued seven critically endangered Bornean orangutans from August wildfires. One died from smoke inhalation; others were relocated or released into parks.

An intensifying El Niño threatens to fuel major fires across Indonesia's peatlands and soils during the dry season. Conservationists in Ketapang are on high alert.

The Bornean orangutan faces an 86% population decline projection by 2025 due to habitat loss and killing. Slow reproduction and wildfires hinder recovery.

Indonesian meteorologists expect an intense fire season through October due to El Niño's hot, dry conditions.

Rescues include an adult male who died from smoke exposure, and a mother and infant pair released into a national park.

West Kalimantan has seen extensive land burning, with Ketapang district having many fire hotspots. Drained peatlands are highly flammable.

Changes in land use, converting protected peatland to agricultural areas, contribute to the problem. An all-women firefighting unit is active in Ketapang.

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