Indonesian apes 'face extinction'

This Orang Utan is one of the lucky ones - some have been eaten by local villagers

Environmentalists say the rare Indonesian Orang Utan ape faces extinction because of fires raging in the eastern Kalimantan area of the country.

Large areas of jungle have been destroyed

The animals have been driven from their natural habitats deep in the forest to populated areas where they are often killed and eaten by villagers.

The fires have destroyed about 200 hectares of forest since January and created a choking haze over a large area.

Since the fires began, Orang Utan sightings have been rare.

Camp Kakap is one of the centres set up to save the Orang Utan, which means "man of the jungle" in Indonesian.

Conservationists turn to firefighting

Workers at the centre have now had to join in the fire-fighting in an attempt to preserve the species.

In spite of their efforts, the habitat of Orang Utans and many other species is being reduced to ashes and attempts to douse the fires with water seem to be having little effect.

An American helicopter pilot and volunteer, Buck Randolph, said the situation is desperate.

"It's all you can do to keep your mind on positive things. Everywhere you go you'll see animals and wildlife running out of the jungles with nowhere to go," he said.

Those apes that do manage to escape the fires flee towards villages and towns are often eaten by people.

The lucky ones are rescued and brought to rehabilitation centres where they are treated for dehydration and starvation.

Many apes have been orphaned by the fires

Among them are several baby Orang Utans who have lost their mothers in the fires.

"The people who live in the forests traditionally will eat many kinds of animals," said Ron Lilley of the World Wildlife Fund for Nature. "Orang Utan meat is a very good source of protein for them."

Environmentalists believe that centres such as these are the best hope for the survival of the species.

They think controlled breeding could help to replenish the numbers in the wild.