BKSDA Anticipates Increase in Human-Wildlife Conflict Due to Forest Fires in East Kotawaringin

The Central Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) is anticipating an increase in human-wildlife conflict due to forest and land fires (karhutla) in the East Kotawaringin (Kotim) region.

Muriansyah, Commander of the BKSDA Resort in Sampit, stated that when forest and land fires occur, wild animals naturally try to distance themselves from the flames and smoke. Plantations, fields, and areas around human settlements become their alternative destinations.

He urged the public not to capture, injure, or kill wild animals that enter their gardens or fields. The presence of these animals, such as slow lorises, proboscis monkeys, or snakes, is often part of their effort to save themselves from the fires and smoke. Residents are advised to immediately report any sightings to BKSDA officers so the situation can be handled safely.

These conditions increase the potential for conflict between wild animals and humans. For instance, orangutans may eat palm hearts or pineapples, while bears might enter gardens in search of pineapples or prey on livestock such as chickens and ducks. Muriansyah emphasised that rapid reporting is crucial to allow officers to conduct monitoring and take necessary action before conflict occurs.

BKSDA recently received a report of an orangutan sighting on Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Km 15 in Sampit and immediately conducted an observation on Monday from 9.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Western Indonesia Time. The agency strongly suspects the orangutan’s appearance was linked to forest fires in the surrounding area, as smoke from the fires was clearly visible at the location. A similar incident was reported about a week earlier in Bapanggang Raya Village, Mentawa Baru Ketapang District, where an orangutan was believed to have moved out of its habitat towards local plantations due to fires, though subsequent monitoring did not relocate the animal.