In Ketapang, West Kalimantan, thick smoke blankets the forest, blocking sunlight. This situation highlights a severe problem: forest and land fires are not only destroying habitats but also threatening local primates with near extinction. Amid these challenges, Veterinarian Komara and the Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) team remain vigilant. Between August 1 and October 21, 2026, they, along with the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), rescued 53 Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) from fire-affected areas. On September 18, 2026, Veterinarian Komara and other veterinarians provided care for a female orangutan and her baby after rescuing them from a burned forest and peatland in Pelang village, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Bornean orangutans, one of three species of orangutans worldwide, are only found on Borneo. All three orangutan species are classified as critically endangered.
Fires pose a significant threat to orangutans by killing them and destroying their habitats. The flames reduce their food sources and obstruct their movements between groups. The extent of the fires in West Kalimantan is alarming, with approximately 48,536 hectares (119,935 acres) burned in 2026. This data illustrates the growing danger that fires present to these animals. This report originally appeared on Mongabay. What are your thoughts on the impact of fires on wildlife?
Sources:
Source: Mongabay Animals, by Isabel Esterman