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Why Are Orangutans Endangered

Orangutans are classified as critically endangered, with over half of their population having disappeared in the past century. There are about 107,600 Borneo orangutans, 13,846 Sumatran and 800 Tapanuli orangutans left in the world.


Long ago, the world catered for such beautiful species as the orangutan, proboscis monkey and sun bear, with vast areas of pristine rainforest rich in biodiversity. Now over half of this unique habitat has disappeared, taking most of these helpless creatures with it.

In the last decade alone, the orangutan population has decreased by 50% as their forest home is depleted at a rate that is too quick to replace or protect, and unfortunately only 2% of what remains of this habitat is protected.

Borneo Baby Orangutan Katesalin Pagkaihang

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Why are Orangutans Endangered?

Climate change is one reason that things have changed, but the main cause of the rapid decline of these species is due to mankind.

Palm oil and logging companies make their money by destroying the unique homes of orangutans, burning and clearing huge areas of rainforest to plant palm trees for oil or grow other trees and plants. This is not conducive to the sustenance of many of the animals which used to thrive here.

However, positive action is being taken, with many organisations working to promote responsible forestry, practice sustainable agriculture, and encourage alternate income opportunities for local communities.Their business focused actions also leave the remaining indigenous forest more exposed, as the big machines belonging to these companies carve out access roads which also allow poachers and hunters easier access to the orangutans, sun bears and pygmy elephants previously protected by the dense vegetation.