South Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency Deploys Team to Handle 12 Proboscis Monkeys Killed by Forest Fires
The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) of South Kalimantan Province has immediately deployed a wildlife rescue team after receiving reports that 12 proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) died due to the impact of forest and land fires (karhutla).
Previously, it was reported that dozens of proboscis monkeys were fatally affected by fires in Balimau Village, Kalumpang District, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency. The Head of BKSDA South Kalimantan, Agus Ngurah Krisna Kepakisan, stated in Banjarbaru on Friday (18/9) that the wildlife rescue team was ordered to the site in Balimau Village to conduct field inspections.
Upon arrival, the team coordinated with village officials and local residents to conduct a sweep along the river. From the inspection results, the team discovered 12 proboscis monkeys affected by the fires. Agus explained that the inspection confirmed the 12 monkeys died due to being burnt.
The carcasses of these endemic Kalimantan primates were subsequently buried in the presence of the village head and local community members.
“From initial information, there were 10 victims. However, after field checks, it turned out there were 12 affected. The team conducted an examination and confirmed the animals died from being burnt, then buried them alongside the village head and the community,” he explained.
The forest fires in the area affected an area of approximately nine hectares. He added that the team also encountered another group of proboscis monkeys that are still alive in the surrounding area.
“We found 32 monkeys from the same group that are still alive. They are located elsewhere, on a different side of the fire site,” said Agus.
Based on statements from the village head and field observations, the fire is suspected to have originated from outside the monkeys’ habitat, carried by strong winds until it spread into the habitat area during the late afternoon and evening.
According to Agus, the community and village government have been working to protect the area, including installing warning signs since 2016 and actively sharing environmental conservation documentation via social media.
BKSDA South Kalimantan expressed deep concern over the deaths of the primates. As a protected species and an icon of South Kalimantan, the proboscis monkey requires collective attention, particularly in efforts to protect its habitat from the threat of forest fires.
“We are also deeply saddened and shaken, especially since these monkeys are protected species and icons of South Kalimantan. We hope environmental observers can work together to protect the wildlife in South Kalimantan,” said Agus.
According to BKSDA South Kalimantan records, the proboscis monkey population in South Kalimantan is estimated to be around 3,700 individuals in 2025. Approximately one-third of the population resides in conservation areas, while two-thirds are located outside conservation areas, such as production forests, protected forests, and Other Use Areas (APL).
The 12 monkeys affected by the fires in Balimau were located in an APL area, which is owned by the local village.
Moving forward, BKSMA South Kalimantan is committed to continuous data collection regarding APL areas that serve as wildlife habitats. These efforts will be accompanied by socialisation with village heads, the optimisation of wildlife rescue centres through call centre services, and the promotion of new resort-based preservation areas.
These steps are expected to strengthen the protection of wildlife habitats outside conservation areas without altering the land ownership status of the local community.