Indonesian forest blazes approach critical orangutan research facility in Borneo

The short version

• Wildfires in Indonesia's Gunung Palung national park have burned within 200 meters of the Rangkong research station, threatening an area inhabited by hundreds of Bornean orangutans.[The Guardian]
• A team of over 40 staff and local villagers is fighting the blazes continuously, but organizers warn the crisis exceeds local capacity.[The Guardian]
• Scientists estimate that without intervention or firebreaks, the flames could reach the main Cabang Panti research station within 20 days.[The Guardian]
• Conservationists are calling for professional firefighters and large-scale water bombing, as hot and dry weather is expected to persist through October.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• Wildfires in Indonesia have advanced within 200 meters of the Rangkong research station in Gunung Palung national park.[The Guardian]
• More than 2,500 Bornean orangutans inhabit Gunung Palung national park, with hundreds living near the threatened research facilities.[The Guardian]
• A team of over 40 people, including staff and local villagers, is working around the clock to stave off the flames at Rangkong station.[The Guardian]
• Indonesian meteorologists project that the intense fire season will continue through October due to a strengthening El Niño.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Indonesian wildfires threaten leading orangutan research site in BorneoThe Guardian - World