Wildfires in Indonesia are sweeping through a vital research site for Bornean orangutans, now threatening a celebrated research camp. The camp is home to one of the world’s longest-running studies of wild apes.
In recent days, the fires have burned within 200 metres of Rangkong research station, a satellite of Cabang Panti research station, located about four miles north in Gunung Palung national park. Hundreds of critically endangered Bornean orangutans live near these stations, with over 2,500 thought to inhabit the park, much of which is currently on fire.
Prof Cheryl Knott, a biological anthropologist at Boston University, who has led research at Cabang Panti for 32 years, stated that orangutans are fleeing the forests. Scientists at Cabang Panti have gathered decades of data on wild orangutans, following individuals from birth.
The fires, often intentionally set for land clearing, have been exacerbated by an exceptionally strong El Niño, leading to hot and dry conditions. Without intervention or large firebreaks, scientists predict the fires will reach Cabang Panti in 20 days.
A team of over 40 people, including field assistants, staff, and local villagers, are working to protect the Rangkong research station. They have constructed a firebreak and an improvised sprinkler system to saturate surrounding peat, as peat fires can smoulder underground for months.
Caitlin O’Connell, deputy director of the Gunung Palung orangutan conservation programme, said the issue has surpassed local capacity and called for large-scale water bombing and skilled firefighters. Wahyu Susanto, research director for Yayasan Palung, reported five orangutans from their long-term study population were seen fleeing the flames.
Indonesian meteorologists forecast an intense fire season continuing through October, with climate forecasts indicating a strengthening El Niño.