BKSDA and YIARI successfully translocate orangutan in Kayong Utara
Pontianak (ANTARA) - The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) together with the Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) has successfully translocated one individual orangutan from Pemangkat Jaya Hamlet, Pemangkat Village, Simpang Hilir Subdistrict, Kayong Utara Regency, to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife.
“The translocation activity involved the Gunung Palung National Park Agency, elements of the TNI-Polri, as well as the local community,” said YIARI’s Assistant Manager of the Orangutan Protection Unit, Muhadi, in Pontianak on Sunday.
The translocation was carried out following reports from residents regarding the appearance of the orangutan in plantation areas since the end of last year.
He said the translocation step was taken after various other handling efforts had been carefully considered. According to him, the presence of the orangutan that had begun to settle in residents’ gardens over the past week has caused losses and concerns among the community.
The joint team conducted the evacuation from the morning using a tranquilliser gun operated by licensed officers, as well as careful calculation of the anaesthesia dose by a veterinarian.
YIARI veterinarian, drh Rachel, stated that the medical examination results showed natural wounds on the face and left arm, as well as a fracture in the tooth. However, these conditions have healed and do not affect the animal’s health.
“Overall, the orangutan’s condition is healthy and suitable for translocation,” she said.
After the examination, the orangutan was moved to the Gunung Palung National Park area, which is considered to have strong protection and adequate food availability. The journey to the release site took about two hours using a combination of land and water transportation.
The Head of the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Murlan Dameria Pane, appreciated the synergy of all parties in the success of the translocation.
“This translocation is part of efforts to save orangutans while reducing conflicts with humans. Community support and cross-sector collaboration are very determinant in the success of this activity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the General Chairman of YIARI, Silverius Oscar Unggul, emphasised the importance of integrated land-use planning to suppress conflicts between humans and wildlife.
“Rapid changes in land use pose a major challenge for orangutans to survive. Collective commitment is needed so that humans and wildlife can coexist sustainably,” he said.