Orangutans in Borneo: Rescued through a new protected area!

Orangutans in Borneo: Rescued through a new protected area!

Almost 250 rescued orangutans have been relocated from a sanctuary in Borneo to a new station. The move, which was financed by donations, became necessary because the old Nyaru Menteng rescue center is to be converted into a local recreation area. The organization BOS (Borneo Orangutan Survival) emphasizes the importance of a natural habitat for the rehabilitation of the animals. Constant human contact is not ideal for restoring the orangutans' natural lifestyle.

The new center is almost twice as large, covering 132 hectares, and is located in Central Kalimantan. There the animals find sturdy ropes, tire swings, artificial nests and a playground with climbing opportunities. In addition to the forest school, BOS also runs a kindergarten and pre-poaching islands, the so-called “Walduni”. Some of the rescued orangutans will remain at the center permanently because they cannot survive in the wild.

Threats to orangutans

The situation of orangutans is alarming. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Bornean orangutans are on the verge of extinction. They are only “one step away from species extinction”. They are classified as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List, the highest level of threat that reflects the dramatic decline in their populations. Deforestation for palm oil plantations, coal mines and illegal wildlife trade are the main reasons for the decline of this species.

The habitats of orangutans, which only exist in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra, are increasingly threatened by human intervention. Sustainable cultivation methods for palm oil, rubber and paper are necessary to stop this threatening trend. The IUCN is planning a congress to discuss strategies to better control fisheries and palm oil plantations.

The diversity of orangutan species

The biological family of great apes, which also includes orangutans, includes not only large great apes such as gorillas and chimpanzees but also smaller gibbons. As of 2017, three orangutan species have been recognized: the Borneo orangutan, the Sumatran orangutan and the Tapanuli orangutan. The latter is particularly at risk of extinction, with only about 800 individuals living in a highly restricted habitat in the Batang Toru Forest.

Orangutans are the largest arboreal mammals and spend almost their entire lives in trees. They are solitary animals, and female orangutans have a close relationship with their offspring, only giving birth every four to eight years. Their wingspan can be up to two meters. The brutal reality facing these majestic animals requires urgent action to ensure their continued existence.