Today's El Niño (1/10/2026)
‘The toll is huge’: El Niño-driven wildfires overwhelm Indonesia’s orangutan population
Even animals that survive the catastrophe can face long-term consequences. Food availability falls in the aftermath of fires as forests struggle to recover, and the risk of conflict between animals can rise if they are displaced and forced to live closer to each other. Experts believe that, as with humans, there will also be health impacts for animals that have lived with months of dense smog.
One of the rescued orangutans died, probably due to smoke inhalation. \ Others have been found with burns on their hands after touching the scorching ground, or are hungry and dehydrated.
Researchers have observed that large fire events have been followed by unusually high litterfall, where leaves and small branches drop from trees. This is probably because smog has blocked sunlight, preventing photosynthesis, says Dr Susan Cheyne, co-director of Borneo Nature Foundation International, which has conducted studies on the trend.
“Even though the fires are out at this point there is still a knock-on effect on food,” says Cheyne, who is also vice-chair for the International Union for Conservation of Nature primate specialist group section on small apes.
Such die-offs of leaves occur just as dry season returns, just when species such as orangutan need to eat more, as they rely on flowers and leaves rather than the sugary fruits and pulp that are abundant during the rainy season.
Erin Vogel, professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey, says the forest can take years to recover, with trees producing less fruit afterwards, possibly due to a decline in pollinators.
In the longer term, tree diversity across burned peat forests can remain suppressed even 12 years on, research has shown. If fires recur, this risks trapping forests in a permanently degraded state.
“We know how [smog] impacts humans in the long term – it can lead to medical problems, breathing problems, asthma, cancer, infections, future lung capacity issues,” says Vogel. “So, I think, there’s no reason to predict that it wouldn’t affect them the same way.”
Tokyo succumbs to ‘rain fatigue’ after a record 35 consecutive days of showers
Residents of Tokyo awoke to a familiar sound on Wednesday: raindrops splashing against windows and balcony floors.
The Japanese capital has seen a record 35 consecutive days of rain that experts blame on a combination of climate change and El Niño, which has created a prolonged front of high pressure in the Pacific Ocean.
- Reminds me of the movie Weathering with You.
The weather is affecting people’s physical and mental health, according to Hiromichi Ito, a doctor and director of a clinic in the capital, who told the Sankei Shimbun newspaper that prolonged rain, low atmospheric pressure and high humidity can lead to headaches, dizziness and other symptoms.
The news that the city has not enjoyed a single dry day since 27 August prompted many take to social media to complain of “rain fatigue”.
“This endless rain must be to blame for my low mood,” said one X user. “If you’re feeling worn out, it’s not your fault.”
Yojiro Noda, the lead singer of the band Radwimps, posted to his 1.1 million followers: “Tokyo, a lifetime of rain.”
Another wondered if the city would match the 40 days and 40 nights of rain referenced in the Old Testament.