BKSDA Aceh Relocates Two Orangutans Trapped in Community Plantations

The Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) has relocated two Sumatran orangutans (pongo abelii) separately after they became trapped in community plantations in the Seuneubok Pusaka area, Trumon Timur District, South Aceh Regency. The evacuation began following reports of two individual orangutans trapped in separate locations within the community plantation area. Head of BKSDA Aceh Ujang Wisnu Barata stated that the relocation was carried out to rescue the protected animals and prevent negative interactions with the community. “The BKSDA team, together with partners, evacuated and relocated two individual orangutans trapped in community plantation areas in Seuneubok Pusaka, Trumon Timur District, South Aceh Regency, over the past week,” he said. Ujang Wisnu Barata noted that the evacuation and relocation of the protected wildlife involved a team from the Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari (YEL). The two orangutans were evacuated and relocated separately. The team found both orangutans to be in healthy condition, with no injuries on their bodies. Both animals were male. “One individual is estimated to be 30 years old with an estimated weight of 40 to 50 kilogrammes. The other individual is estimated to be 35 years old with an estimated weight of 40 kilogrammes,” he said. After confirming both orangutans were healthy, the team relocated them by releasing them back into the forest area, which is their natural habitat. The Sumatran orangutan is a protected species. According to the international conservation body’s endangered species list, the animal, which is only found on the island of Sumatra, is critically endangered and at high risk of extinction in the wild. BKSDA 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 aimed at preventing poaching and illegal trade, which are the main threats to the orangutan population. Furthermore, BKSDA also invited the community to protect the surrounding forests and ecosystems, and to refrain from logging or clearing land in forest areas that serve as orangutan habitats. “We also urge that if you encounter an orangutan outside the forest, or in plantations or settlements, 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.