Indonesian conservationists said an orangutan who lost its home to forest fires strayed near a residential area in Indonesia's Central Kalimantan Province.

The orangutan, thought to be about 11 years old, was shot with an anaesthetic dart before it was carried away.

Authorities said it created panic among local residents.

The orangutan is an endangered species mainly found in Southeast Asia.

Its numbers have decreased tremendously due to illegal pouching and habitat loss.

The World Wildlife Fund said that in 1997, forest fires in Kalimantan that lasted for six months killed up to 8,000 orangutans.

Indonesia has faced criticism for turning down offers of help from Singapore, even as it struggles to contain fires that have been exacerbated by a prolonged dry season.

The disaster management agency said Indonesia has sent nearly 21,000 personnel to fight forest fires raging in its northern islands, caused by slash-and-burn practices.