Indonesian wildfires threaten leading orangutan research site in Borneo
Summary
Wildfires in Indonesia are approaching important orangutan research centers in Borneo, threatening both the study sites and the habitat of Bornean orangutans. Scientists and local teams are working hard to control the fires, but dry weather caused by El Niño is making the situation worse.Key Facts
- Wildfires are near the Rangkong research station and the main Cabang Panti research station in Gunung Palung national park, Borneo.
- These stations have hosted long-term studies of wild Bornean orangutans, a critically endangered species.
- Around 2,500 orangutans live in Gunung Palung national park, many areas of which are on fire.
- Fires are mostly set intentionally to clear land, but an intense El Niño weather pattern has caused very dry conditions that help fires spread.
- Researchers have recorded detailed life histories of orangutans, including their slow reproduction cycle of one birth every eight years.
- Without the research stations and forest, scientists will lose important data on orangutan survival and tropical ecosystems.
- More than 40 people, including local villagers, are trying to stop the fires by creating firebreaks and wetting peat soil, which can smolder underground for months.
- Conservation leaders say outside help like water bombing and expert firefighters is needed to control the fires.
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