Wildfires in Indonesia’s Gunung Palung National Park in West Kalimantan are threatening one of the world’s longest-running research sites for wild orangutans, along with the rainforest habitat of the critically endangered Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). The fires have moved to within about 200 metres of the Rangkong research station, part of the Cabang Panti research programme, where scientists have studied wild orangutans for more than three decades.
The national park is estimated to support more than 2,500 orangutans. Researchers have documented individual animals and their life histories over many years, producing important information about their behaviour, reproduction and survival. The research has also helped establish that female orangutans typically give birth only once about every eight years, an exceptionally long reproductive interval among mammals.
More than 40 staff members and local residents have been working to contain the approaching fires by creating firebreaks and using sprinkler systems. However, extremely dry conditions linked to a strong El Niño are making firefighting increasingly difficult.
Wildlife rescue teams elsewhere in West Kalimantan have also been responding to orangutans displaced by the fires. At least 15 orangutans had been rescued by one rescue organisation during the current fire season by September 13.
News as reported
