Habitat Destruction: Destruction of rainforest for soy and palm oils

About the orangutan – critically endangered

Why are they endangered and what can you do?Critically endangered, the orangutan is the largest arboreal animal in the world. “Orangutan” is said to translate to “person of the forest” in Malay, which, despite their tree-dwelling disposition, is rather appropriate since orangutans and humans share 96.4% of their DNA. This website page provides a great deal of information on this beautiful animal, including the risks to its population such as the clearcutting for palm oil production. At the end of the page, the website offers some concrete things that you can do to slow its extinction, such as purchasing sustainably. On your next grocery trip, try and make sure that the products you buy contain sustainable, RSPO certified palm oil. Similarly with paper or wood, have a look to see whether they come from a Forest Stewardship Council certified forestry.

One Tree Planted Reforestation Project writes: Reforestation for Orangutan Habitat Conservation Biodiversity is one of the most important reasons we plant trees, which is why we’re so excited to share this project in partnership with The Orangutan Project and KEHUS! Eastern Sumatra’s Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem, which is one of the last wild places in Southeast Asia. Named after the many forested hills in the region, it forms part of a biodiversity hotspot and refuge for Critically Endangered flagship species like the Sumatran tiger, elephant, and orangutan — of which there are only 14,000 left in the wild. In fact, it’s one of only 2 reintroduction sites for orangutans in all of Sumatra.

At the center is a National Park, declared in 1995. The entire protected area, including buffer zones, is almost 200,000 hectares and is home to 2 indigenous tribes. Despite this, parts of Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem are threatened with illegal logging, while other areas have been severely degraded. To help, One Tree Planted has teamed up with The Orangutan Project and KEHUS, a local Indonesian foundation, to restore forests surrounding an orangutan jungle school sanctuary where orphaned orangutans are taught how to live in the wild before being re-introduced. 

Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation Why Orangutans Matter

Earth.Org Can We Save the Orangutan?

Guardian Orangutan killings in Borneo likely still occurring in large number. Despite it being taboo and illegal to kill critically endangered primate, 30% of villages have evidence of killing in ‘last five to 10 years’

IFAW’s hopeful story. Rescued baby orangutan takes first steps toward rehabilitation. A baby orangutan who was rescued from traffickers by one of IFAW’s partners in Indonesia has now been transferred to a rehabilitation centre. In May, IFAW’s partner Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) carried out a daring undercover investigation into online wildlife trafficker networks in Indonesia. A ten-month-old male orangutan was among the many endangered animals they rescued. They named him Logos, after the police official involved with the raid. JAAN’s co-founder Femke den Haas said, “Orangutans are very popular in Thailand, so he was destined to be used in entertainment shows in the zoos there. Luckily, we could intervene and rescue this baby.”

Nature Conservancy Indonesia’s Iconic Orangutans

Rainforest Action Sumatran Orangutan (Child friendly)

Sumatran Orangutan Society works on protecting orangutans, their forests and their future.

Treehugger Critically Endangered Bornean Orangutans Battle Shrinking Habitats

Wild for Life Orangutan

Animals Asia One life: Orangutans on Orangutan Sentience

Sentient Sandra and a Landmark Ruling on Animal Rights (Written for The Ecotone Exchange)

Poaching