Orangutan survives near fire

An orangutan named Novita clung to a sengon tree as flames approached within 4.5 meters of its base, escaping from forest fires that have ravaged Indonesia since July. The air was thick with smoke, making breathing difficult for both the animal and nearby humans.

El Niño worsens fire crisis

The El Niño weather pattern, which has been unusually strong this year, has intensified the fires, creating a dire situation for Indonesia's critically endangered orangutans. Over 800,000 hectares have burned since the start of the year, with more than 1,700 people reported to have died from smoke inhalation.

Peat fires pose long-term threat

High temperatures and prolonged drought have dried out thick layers of peat in the swampy tropical forests, creating a fuel source that can burn underground long after surface fires are extinguished. This makes the fires particularly dangerous and difficult to control, threatening the long-term survival of orangutans.

Rescue operation in perilous conditions

A team led by ecologist Jamartin Sihite and the Ministry of Forestry used drones to locate an orangutan in a tree surrounded by flames. Despite efforts to reach the animal, the intense smoke and fire made the rescue challenging, and the orangutan had to be sedated and retrieved using a net.

Novita's recovery and challenges

Novita, the rescued orangutan, suffered burns on about 20 percent of her body, including her hands and feet. She is currently receiving treatment in a rehabilitation center, where her prognosis is favorable but not guaranteed. Her case highlights the ongoing struggle to save orangutans from the fires.

Widespread damage to wildlife

The fires have not only threatened orangutans but also endangered other species such as gibbons, elephants, and reptiles. Veterinarian Karmele Llano Sánchez described the situation as unprecedented, noting that the ecological damage will have long-lasting effects.

Orangutan populations in decline

Three species of orangutans—Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli—are all critically endangered, with their populations declining sharply in recent decades. The main causes include deforestation and land-use changes, with forest fires being the second greatest threat to these apes.

El Niño's impact on fire season

El Niño has exacerbated the Indonesian fire season by creating hot and dry conditions that delay the rainy season. Despite preparations by conservationists, the scale of this year's fires has been overwhelming, with prolonged droughts and scarce water resources making firefighting efforts difficult.

Rescue efforts in agricultural areas

In Western Kalimantan, orangutans fleeing fires end up in agricultural plantations and human-inhabited areas, complicating rescue efforts. One particularly difficult rescue involved a mother and her baby found in an oil palm plantation, where both suffered severe burns and dehydration.

Challenges of reintroducing orangutans

Even after rescue, the task of reintroducing orangutans into the wild is complicated by the extensive damage to their habitat. Fires have destroyed essential forest corridors, isolating populations and increasing the risk of human-orangutan conflicts.

Fires threaten research and rehabilitation

Fires have reached research and rehabilitation stations, making it harder to care for orangutans. One of the research stations co-directed by anthropologist Cheryl Knott nearly burned down, though volunteers managed to save it. Other fires continue to threaten stations across the island.

Hope amid destruction

Despite the devastation, some signs of resilience have been observed, such as orangutans taking refuge near a river. These signals help conservationists maintain hope, even as they continue the difficult work of saving and protecting the endangered species.