Intense wildfires spreading across Indonesia’s Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua regions are posing severe threats to vulnerable wildlife populations, particularly orangutans. The blazes have been intensified by El Niño-induced dry conditions and have affected habitat containing over half of the total Bornean orangutan population. Specialists from the International Union for Conservation of Nature have issued urgent calls for international assistance to control the fires and protect species at risk.
Rescue efforts have already evacuated more than 20 orangutans and other animals from affected areas, though one rescued orangutan died, likely from smoke inhalation. Rescued animals have been found suffering from burns, dehydration, and malnutrition. The fires have also impacted five gibbon species listed as endangered, as well as elephants, pangolins, and numerous other animals. Some species such as proboscis monkeys and Sunda pangolins have been found dead and cannot be reached for evacuation. Authorities estimate that approximately 600,000 hectares were damaged by fire in August, with projections that blazes could continue into early November as the rainy season is expected to arrive later than normal.
Beyond immediate fire-related casualties, long-term ecological consequences threaten surviving animals. Research indicates that heavy smoke exposure causes physiological stress in orangutans, including ketosis and changes in vocalization patterns. Following previous fire events, forests have experienced unusual leaf die-off due to smoke blocking sunlight, reducing food availability precisely when animals require additional nutrition during dry seasons. Gibbons, which depend on singing for mating and territorial communication, have also shown reduced vocalization during heavy smoke exposure.
Forest recovery from such events occurs slowly, with tree diversity remaining suppressed for years or even over a decade in burned peatland areas. Repeated fire events risk trapping forests in permanently degraded conditions, further compromising habitat quality. Scientists note that smoke-related health impacts on wildlife mirror those observed in human populations, potentially causing long-term respiratory and immune system effects.
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