Conservation groups and authorities are rescuing endangered orangutans from wildfires burning across Borneo and Sumatra.

Wildfires burning across Indonesia have forced the rescue of dozens of endangered orangutans suffering from smoke inhalation and burns. Recent operations in Borneo have saved animals including a young female named Novita and a male named Bara, both found in areas affected by thick haze and fire.

Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts

Novita, a female orangutan estimated to be 3 to 4 years old, was rescued in late September after being found clinging to a tree. According to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, she had to walk through fire to reach the tree, resulting in burns on her feet and toes. She is currently receiving intensive care at the Nyaru Menteng rehabilitation center in Palangkaraya. Another orangutan, Bara, was rescued on a Thursday in the Central Kalimantan region. Officials stated that he was found on razed land surrounded by fires. While he sustained minor burn injuries, he was described as relatively healthy and is being moved to a nature reserve.

Environmental Impact and Causes

The fires have intensified this year, partly due to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which has caused severe drought. While Indonesia typically experiences wildfires during the dry season, experts note that slash-and-burn practices and the drying of peatlands have increased the fire risk. Government figures indicated that over 202,000 hectares had burned between January and July, while the Nusantara Atlas project estimated nearly 896,000 hectares had burned by the end of August. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reported that fires are burning in habitats containing 52% of Borneo's orangutan population. These fires have also caused severe local haze and regional air pollution spikes in Singapore and Malaysia.