Eight orangutans released into Borneo forest reserve

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]

Indonesia’s government said 100 animals threatened by the fires had been rescued by Tuesday, including 53 orangutans. The fires also threaten habitats used by five gibbon species. [1]

Update

Eight orangutans taken into captivity after summer wildfires threatened their habitat have been released into a forest reserve in western Borneo, the BBC reports. International Animal Rescue Indonesia (Yiari) and the forestry ministry said the group — three mothers, their three daughters and two adult males — was freed on Friday. [2]

Indonesian authorities rescued 46 orangutans from fires in August and September, according to the BBC. The reserve was chosen because it has food and water and is connected to other forested areas. [2]