Indonesian forest fires threaten critically endangered orangutans

Forest fires in Indonesian Borneo are putting further pressure on critically endangered orangutans, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) says. Fires have been burning for weeks in parts of Borneo and Sumatra, including habitats where 52% of Borneo’s orangutan population lives. [1]

During periods of smoke exposure, orangutans lose body fat even though they eat and rest more, according to the IUCN. The organisation says this suggests their immune systems are working harder. [1]