Researchers Discover Endangered Species in Wehea-Kelay Landscape, East Kalimantan

A collaborative study involving Mulawarman University, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) has uncovered a wide array of rare and endangered wildlife species in the Wehea-Kelay landscape, East Kalimantan Province. The discoveries include the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus morio), Kutai langur (Presbytis canicrus), helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil), Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica), sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), Storm’s stork (Ciconia stormi), clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), and the Bornean bay cat (Catopuma badia).

The findings were presented at the Wehea-Kelay Biodiversity Symposium in Samarinda on 14 January 2026. Wehea-Kelay, located outside formal conservation areas, spans 532,143 hectares, with only 19 per cent designated as protected forest. The rest consists of forestry concessions, plantations, and community-managed areas. Despite this, the region harbours high biodiversity, including habitats for critically endangered species such as the Bornean orangutan.

Prof. Abdunnur, Rector of Mulawarman University, stated in his address that these findings are a breath of fresh air amid widespread reports of forest degradation. “The data and discoveries foster optimism for forest restoration, particularly in Kalimantan. This research also exemplifies how landscape-level, multi-stakeholder, and multidisciplinary management can protect forests from degradation,” he said.

The discovery of these rare species is part of a biodiversity research program conducted in 2025 in the Wehea-Kelay landscape. The study identified 1,618 species of flora and fauna, comprising 38% terrestrial mammals, 47% birds, 20% reptiles, and 15% amphibians. Additionally, 88 species of insects, including butterflies and longhorn beetles, and 987 forest plant species were documented.

Tri Atmoko, Lead Researcher at BRIN, explained that the research team monitored wildlife and vegetation, using camera traps and bioacoustic recorders. This latest study adds 275 species compared to a similar 2016 study that identified 1,343 species. 

“This improvement is due to better methods and the shared commitment of stakeholders in Wehea-Kelay toward biodiversity conservation,” Tri said.

Origin in Orangutan Habitats

YKAN Executive Director Herlina Hartanto revealed that collaborative natural resource management in Wehea-Kelay commenced in 2015. The landscape was designated based on the distribution of Bornean orangutans, encompassing major rivers like the Kelay, Wehea, and part of the upper Telen.

Wehea-Kelay serves as a crucial water source for the Mahakam and Segah rivers. Over 5,000 kilometres of watershed feed Berau and East Kutai regencies, offering essential ecosystem services such as hydrological regulation and clean air. Approximately 80% of the landscape remains forested, holding a potential carbon storage capacity of 191 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which significantly contributes to climate change mitigation efforts.

Since 2015, the East Kalimantan provincial government and YKAN have engaged multiple stakeholders in managing the area. “Our latest study shows an increase in recorded flora and fauna species compared to the initial survey. This indicates that collaborative management positively impacts biodiversity while balancing economic, environmental, and socio-cultural interests,” Herlina said.

Management efforts also include the utilisation of non-timber forest products through bioprospecting. A study conducted on 60 forest plant species, inspired by the diets of orangutans, revealed that 11 of these species possess significant potential for medicinal and nutritional applications. These plant species exhibit anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and cytotoxic properties, contributing to human health. Moreover, they play a crucial role in supporting community-based economic development by optimising bioprospecting opportunities, as highlighted by the researcher.

A Model for Forest Management

Wehea-Kelay management now involves 23 stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, local communities, universities, research institutions, and NGOs such as YKAN. Many private sector participants hold Natural Forest Utilisation Business Permits (PBPH-HA) and are certified under Sustainable Production Forest Management and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The Wehea Protected Forest is managed by the Wehea Indigenous Community, highlighting the importance of local participation.

Prof. Damayanti Buchori, Director of the Centre for Transdisciplinary and Sustainability Sciences at IPB University, stated that Wehea-Kelay is a model for forest management in other parts of Indonesia amid increasing land conversion pressures. “This evidence-based, collaborative approach proves that conservation can align with economic interests. Such a model should be applied in other regions,” Damayanti concluded.