Thekabarnews.com—A joint conservation effort has successfully relocated an orangutan from the plantation area in Kayong Utara Regency, West Kalimantan. This action was part of a mitigation strategy to minimize human-wildlife conflict and protect the endangered animal.
The West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA West Kalimantan) and the Gunung Palung National Park authorities conducted the operation together. In addition, Yayasan Inisiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI), the Indonesian military and police, and local residents joined the operation.
Residents reported seeing the orangutan repeatedly since the end of last year. Researchers observed it in coconut and rubber plantations in Pemangkat Jaya Hamlet, Pemangkat Village, Simpang Hilir District.
For the first time, the orangutan crossed the plantations. However, the animal had settled in a coconut plantation in the past week. It damaged crops and raised safety fears among villagers over its size.
YIARI’s Orangutan Protection Unit Assistant Manager Muhadi said relocation was the last option. The team chose it after carefully considering other methods of handling.
“This step protects the orangutan and minimizes the potential for conflict with humans. Based on our assessment and the terrain, we estimate the presence of the orangutan may cause economic loss and fear that can lead to dangerous actions for humans and animals,” he said.
The joint team reached the location in the early morning hours. They started the evacuation process around 07.00 a.m. local time. To reduce risks during capture, they used a tranquilizer gun operated by a team of YIARI trained for this purpose.
Veterinarians calculated the dosage of anesthesia carefully based on the estimated body weight of the orangutan. The procedure was only performed by licensed personnel.
The medical examination revealed natural wounds on the face and left arm and a fractured tooth.
“The injuries were probably caused by environmental factors, such as bamboo shrubs. The orangutan spent a lot of time in the plantations and bamboo forest,” Rachel, a veterinarian from YIARI, said.
“Wounds have healed, and the animal is healthy and in excellent shape to be relocated,” she said.
Following the health check, the team quickly relocated the orangutan to Gunung Palung National Park. This area is its natural habitat and one of the most protected conservation areas in the region.
The trip to the release site took approximately two hours, utilizing a combination of land and river transport. Local residents also helped carry the orangutan deeper into the forest for a safer release.
After release, the orangutan moved away fast and exhibited strong wild behavior. Conservationists said the behavior was a positive sign it was ready to survive on its own.
BKSDA West Kalimantan head Murlan Dameria Pane appreciated the support and cooperation from all parties involved. He emphasized that the relocation is part of the larger orangutan conservation efforts.
“Translocation helps to protect orangutans and reduce conflict with people. Community participation and long-term awareness are critical to guaranteeing the continued coexistence of conservation and local livelihoods,” he stated.
Conservation groups also pointed out that quick changes in how people use land continue to be one of the greatest obstacles to saving orangutan populations. This is especially true as many still live outside of official conservation areas.
They called for better land-use planning and greater public awareness. This would help humans and orangutans live together sustainably in the future.
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