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Wildfires approach animal rescue centre in Borneo
Overview
International Animal Rescue has reported that Indonesian wildfires came within a few hundred metres of its conservation project in Borneo. The charity has relocated 46 critically endangered orangutans to safety amidst severe seasonal fires driven by illegal land-clearing practices and exacerbated by a 'super' El Niño and climate change.
Key points
- Wildfires in Indonesia came within hundreds of metres of International Animal Rescue's centre in Borneo.
- The charity has successfully relocated 46 critically endangered orangutans to safety.
- Dr Kamale Sanchez reported that forest fires have grown increasingly out of control during a hot season experiencing temperatures five to six degrees above normal.
- The wildfires are primarily caused by illegal slash-and-burn practices, worsened by drought conditions from a 'super' El Niño and climate change.