Bornean orangutans named Artemis and Gieka were recently released into the wild within the stunning landscapes of Betung Kerihun National Park, West Kalimantan. Specifically, their new home is located in the Sungai Rongun Block, Mendalam Sub-watershed, following their successful reintroduction on Wednesday, November 19.
This pivotal release is a crucial stride in safeguarding the critically endangered Bornean orangutan species, as highlighted by Murlan Dameria Pane, Head of the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these magnificent primates face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, making every conservation effort vital.
Pane emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “This release represents a strategic move to revitalize the orangutan population within their natural habitat,” as quoted from an official statement issued on Friday, November 21. It underscores a long-term commitment to ecological balance and biodiversity.
Unlike their wild-born counterparts, Artemis and Gieka began their lives at the Jerora Forest School, managed by the Sintang Orangutan Preservation Foundation (YPOS). After dedicating six years to their rehabilitation and training, both orangutans demonstrated exceptional abilities crucial for survival in the wild. They expertly navigated their environment, recognized natural food sources, and constructed nests proficiently. Crucially, their independence from human interaction affirmed their readiness for this significant journey back to their ancestral forests.
See also:
- Strengthening Ecological Corridors: Efforts to Save the Tapanuli Orangutan
- Critically Endangered: Orangutans Require Urgent Protection
The Release Process
The journey to their designated release site was meticulously planned and executed. It commenced with an arduous eight-hour overland trip from the Jerora Forest School in Sintang to Putussibau. Following this, the expedition continued by water, utilizing a traditional longboat for a three-hour voyage to the Mentibat Release Station.
Upon their arrival at the Mentibat station, Artemis and Gieka underwent a crucial one-night habituation period. This vital step was designed to ensure their physical and psychological well-being remained stable after the extensive travel. Throughout this phase, routine medical examinations were diligently performed to monitor their condition.
The following day marked the final leg of their journey. The orangutans were once again transported by longboat for an hour, finally reaching their ultimate destination: the Sungai Rongun area within the sprawling expanse of Betung Kerihun National Park.
This recent release is a testament to ongoing conservation commitments, marking the 17th such event since the program’s inception in 2017. To date, a total of 37 rehabilitated individuals and one translocated orangutan have been successfully reintroduced into the diverse ecosystem of Betung Kerihun National Park.
Following their release, Artemis and Gieka will undergo intensive post-release monitoring for a period of three months, employing the specialized ‘nest-to-nest’ method. This comprehensive surveillance involves tracking their daily activities, observing feeding patterns, recording movements, and assessing their overall response to the natural habitat. The primary objective of this rigorous monitoring is to guarantee their successful adaptation and foster their complete independence in the wild.
Summary
Bornean orangutans Artemis and Gieka, after six years of rehabilitation at Jerora Forest School, were successfully released into Betung Kerihun National Park, West Kalimantan, on November 19. This strategic release into the Sungai Rongun Block is a crucial step to safeguard and revitalize the critically endangered species’ population within their natural habitat. Both orangutans demonstrated essential survival skills and independence from human interaction, confirming their readiness for the wild.
The release involved a meticulous journey, including overland travel, longboat trips, and a one-night habituation period at Mentibat Release Station for medical checks. This event marks the 17th release since 2017, contributing to a total of 38 orangutans reintroduced into the park’s diverse ecosystem. Following their release, Artemis and Gieka will undergo three months of intensive ‘nest-to-nest’ monitoring to ensure their successful adaptation and complete independence.
