JAKARTA: A Bornean orangutan found on an Indonesian palm plantation has been rescued and returned to the forest, a conservation group said on Wednesday (Aug 19), the latest example of how habitat loss is piling pressure on the critically endangered animal in the wild. The male orangutan, named "Boncel" and estimated to be 30 to 40 years old, was found in a plantation in the Indonesian portion of Borneo island with four other orangutans in early August, International Animal Rescue (IAR) said in a statement. "We found five orangutans (in the area) and we managed to relocate four of them back into the wild, except this male orangutan that still remained in the plantation," said Andiri Nurillah, a veterinarian working for the Indonesian arm of IAR. The great ape was darted with a tranquiliser at the plantation in Ketapang, West Kalimantan province, before being put in a cage and taken by motor boat on a river to a safer area in the forest. Boncel was in good condition when … [Read more...] about Orangutan found in Indonesia palm oil plantation returned to the wild
Orangutan donde vive
Indonesian orangutans airlifted back to the wild
JAKARTA: Ten orangutans have been airlifted back to their natural habitat on Indonesia's Borneo island, in the first release of the apes into the wild for a year due to the dangers of COVID-19 infection. The animals were flown by helicopter across the island's dense jungle earlier this month to keep them away from days-long land and sea routes that could expose them to the coronavirus. Orangutans share 97 per cent of humans' DNA so conservationists have been on high alert for signs of infection. The pandemic has thrown up unprecedented challenges for conservation efforts. "For an entire year, we have not been able to release orangutans due to the global pandemic," said Jamartin Sihite, chief executive of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF). "We have implemented strict health protocols, and introduced mitigation plans to be enacted in the event of an orangutan contracting the virus. The use of a helicopter ... helps reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19." … [Read more...] about Indonesian orangutans airlifted back to the wild
WWF-Indonesia using machine learning to save critically endangered orangutans
WWF-Indonesia using machine learning to save critically endangered orangutans Watch Now World Wildlife Fund for Nature Indonesia (WWF-Indonesia) is on a mission to save critically endangered orangutans in Indonesia. According to WWF, Bornean orangutan populations have declined by more than 50% over the past 60 years and the species' habitat has been reduced by at least 55% over the past 20 years. Severe declines in the orangutan population native to Indonesia and Malaysia can be traced directly back to humans and their cruel poaching and illegal pet trade practices, as well as causing the destruction of habitats. As orangutans are largely solitary and spend much of their lives in trees, conservation efforts to accurately measure remaining populations are complicated and time-consuming, WWF-Indonesia explained. In an attempt to accelerate efforts to save the orangutans, WWF-Indonesia has turned to Amazon Web Services (AWS) to use machine learning services to … [Read more...] about WWF-Indonesia using machine learning to save critically endangered orangutans
Rescued orangutan learning to climb again after developing a fear of heights in captivity
A RESCUED orangutan is learning to climb again after developing a fear of heights in captivity. Five-year-old Kukur had been tied up and kept in a hut. He made a timid start at a rehab centre in Borneo but grew in confidence with other apes. Alan Knight, of International Animal Rescue, said: “We can’t replace his mother but, with coaxing from the keepers and his orangutan friends, he is starting to develop skills ready for a return to his rightful home.” Most read in News Live Blog BIG FREEZE UK weather LIVE - Subzero temperatures coming despite sunshine Brits warned MASK OFF Primary school kids DON'T need to wear face masks in classrooms, say health chiefs FLASH LOCKDOWNS Matt Hancock warns regions WILL be put in lightning lockdowns Latest 'DON'T WRECK THIS NOW' Jonathan Van-Tam warns Brits not to 'relax' on eve of sunny weekend GRIM … [Read more...] about Rescued orangutan learning to climb again after developing a fear of heights in captivity
Three suspects named for feasting on orangutan in Kalimantan
The police have named three suspects for allegedly slaughtering, cooking and eating an orangutan after the endangered species was caught wandering around in an oil palm concession in Kapuas regency, Central Kalimantan. Kapuas Police chief Sr. Comr. Jukiman Situmorang said on Friday that after 10 people had been taken in for questioning on Tuesday, investigators had decided to name three plantation workers, identified by their initials AY, 30, EMS, 39 and ER, 23, suspects. "They [allegedly] killed the orangutan just to consume its flesh," said Jukiman, adding that the police would not detain the suspects because the maximum penalty for the offence was not more than five years. The case is believed to have occurred at an oil palm concession owned by PT Susantri Permai, part of Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group, in Tumbang Puroh village, on Jan. 28. The incident reportedly began when a worker was harvesting fruit before encountering and being chased by an agitated orangutan. … [Read more...] about Three suspects named for feasting on orangutan in Kalimantan