BKSDA Aceh Relocates Two Orangutans Trapped in Community Plantations

The evacuation began following reports that two orangutan individuals were trapped in community plantation areas at separate locations.

Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has relocated two Sumatran orangutans (pongo abelii) separately after they became trapped in community plantations in Seuneubok Pusaka, East Trumon District, South Aceh Regency.

Head of BKSDA Aceh, Ujang Wisnu Barata, said in Banda Aceh on Saturday that the relocation was carried out to save the protected animals and prevent negative interactions with local communities.

“Over the past week, the BKSDA team, together with partners, evacuated and relocated two orangutans trapped in community plantation areas in Seuneubok Pusaka, East Trumon District, South Aceh Regency,” he said.

Ujang Wisnu Barata said the evacuation and relocation of the protected wild animals involved a team from the Ekosistem Lestari Foundation (YEL). The two orangutans were evacuated and relocated separately.

The team found two orangutan individuals, both in healthy condition, with no wounds on either animal. Both orangutans were male.

“One individual is estimated to be 30 years old, weighing an estimated 40 to 50 kilogrammes. The other individual is estimated to be 35 years old, weighing around 40 kilogrammes,” he said.

After confirming that both orangutans were healthy, he said, the team relocated them by releasing them back into forest areas that serve as their natural habitat.

The Sumatran orangutan is a protected species. According to the global conservation body’s list of endangered species, the animal, which is found only on the island of Sumatra, is classified as critically endangered and at high risk of extinction in the wild.

BKSDA has urged the public not to keep, trade, or capture Sumatran orangutans, as the species is protected by law.

Ujang Wisnu Barata said the appeal was intended to prevent hunting and illegal trade, which remain the main threats to the orangutan population.

In addition, BKSDA has called on communities to protect forests and their surrounding ecosystems, and to refrain from logging or clearing land in forest areas that serve as orangutan habitats.

“We also urge anyone who encounters an orangutan outside the forest, in plantations, or in settlements to report it immediately to the BKSDA call centre at 085362836024 or to the nearest BKSDA officer, so that appropriate action can be taken promptly,” said Ujang Wisnu Barata.