Orangutans released back into Borneo forest after devastating fires
Eight orangutans have been released back into the wild in Borneo after being rescued from intense wildfires. The fires, exacerbated by El Niño, destroyed their habitats and forced them into human-populated areas.
Why it matters
The survival of critically endangered species is increasingly threatened by climate-driven weather volatility and habitat loss.
Image source, Muffidz Ma'sum/Yiara/MoEF Image caption, The apes were all rescued from wildfires over the summer that threatened their habitats
Eight orangutans have been released back into the wild in Borneo after they were taken into captivity when their habitat was threatened by wildfires over the summer.
Three mothers, their three daughters and two adult males were freed in a reserve in the west of the island on Friday, International Animal Rescue Indonesia (Yiari) and the forestry ministry said.
Indonesian authorities rescued 46 orangutans from fires in August and September. Wildfires in the region are usual for the country's dry season but intensified this year.
The apes are critically endangered. Around 104,000 orangutans remain in Borneo and Sumatra, down from more than 230,000 a century ago, according to conservation group WWF.
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