BKSDA Aceh evacuates isolated orangutan from palm oil plantation

The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has evacuated a Sumatran orangutan (pongo abelii) that was isolated in a palm oil plantation with remaining forest cover in South Aceh Regency. Head of BKSDA Aceh, Ujang Wisnu Barata, stated in Banda Aceh on Saturday that the evacuation was carried out to rescue the protected animal which had become trapped in the plantation area. “The team, together with partners, rescued one individual orangutan that was isolated in a palm oil plantation area that still has forest. This rescue prevents the protected animal from being isolated in the plantation,” he said. He added that the joint team moved to the location and found a male orangutan estimated to be 45 years old in the plantation. Upon discovery, the orangutan was in good health and weighed 70 kilograms. The veterinary team recommended that the orangutan be released back into its natural habitat. The Sumatran orangutan is a protected species. According to the world conservation body’s list of endangered species, the animal, which is only found on the island of Sumatra, is classified as critically endangered and at high risk of extinction in the wild. BKSDA urges the public not to keep, trade, or capture Sumatran orangutans as the species is protected by law. Furthermore, BKSDA also encourages the community to protect forests and surrounding ecosystems, and to refrain from logging or clearing land in forest areas that serve as orangutan habitats. “We also urge that if anyone encounters an orangutan outside the forest, or in plantations or settlements, to immediately report it to the BKSDA call centre at 085362836024 or the nearest BKSDA officer, so that appropriate action can be taken promptly,” said Ujang Wisnu Barata.