Indonesia wildfires threaten wildlife populations amid El Niño

Intense wildfires driven by El Niño-induced dry conditions are spreading across Indonesia’s Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua regions, posing a severe threat to wildlife and local communities. Authorities estimate that approximately 600,000 hectares were damaged by fire in August, with the blazes expected to persist until the rainy season arrives later than usual.

The fires have heavily impacted vulnerable species, including orangutans, five endangered gibbon species, elephants, and pangolins. Rescue efforts have evacuated over 20 orangutans, though some animals have died from smoke inhalation, dehydration, or malnutrition. Beyond immediate casualties, heavy smoke exposure is causing physiological stress in wildlife and disrupting essential behaviors, such as the vocalizations used by gibbons for mating and territorial communication.

Long-term ecological damage is also a major concern. Smoke can block sunlight, leading to leaf die-off and reduced food availability. In burned peatland areas, forest recovery and tree diversity can take over a decade. Experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature have called for international assistance to manage the fires and protect at-risk species.