Chronology of Discovery of Orangutan Unconscious Due to Forest Fire Smoke in West Kalimantan

A joint team from the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Ketapang Regional Conservation Section I, together with the Indonesian Nature Rehabilitation Initiative Foundation (YIARI), has again found an adult male orangutan in a community plantation, in a weak condition due to smoke.

The orangutan was discovered in Laman Satong Village, Matan Hilir Utara District, Ketapang Regency, on Sunday. After receiving information from the public about the presence of an orangutan near the plantation, the team immediately carried out a field check and found the orangutan in a weak condition, said Sarbandi, staff of the Ketapang Regional Conservation Section I of the West Kalimantan BKSDA, in Ketapang on Monday.

The orangutan, named Sampurna, is suspected of suffering respiratory problems due to exposure to thick smoke from forest and land fires that had blanketed its habitat for several days.

Sampurna was first reported by local residents at around 6 a.m. Western Indonesia Time in a weak and unconscious condition near a community oil palm plantation, he said.

Sarbandi said a fairly severe fire occurred around the location the day before the rescue. When the team arrived on Sunday morning, 30 August, smoke was still quite thick, which is suspected to have affected Sampurna’s health.

It is suspected that due to the forest and land fires, the orangutan moved from its habitat and ended up in the plantation area, he said.

Meanwhile, YIARI veterinarian Komara explained that exposure to forest and land fire smoke can have serious impacts on the health of wild animals, especially on the respiratory system.

Forest and land fire smoke contains various particles and substances that can enter the respiratory tract and disrupt lung function, said Komara.

According to him, exposure to thick smoke lasting several days can cause respiratory problems and oxygen deficiency, or hypoxia.

A thorough examination was carried out to determine Sampurna’s health condition, including possible damage or impairment to the lungs and other internal organs, he said.

YIARI Operational Director Argitoe Ranting said the ongoing forest and land fires have prompted the team to increase its preparedness, especially in responding to public reports concerning affected wildlife.

Our medical and rescue teams are on standby 24 hours a day to respond to reports and carry out rescue actions whenever needed, said Argitoe.