Indigenous to the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, islands on Indonesia and Malaysia, Orangutans are an extraordinary species of great apes.
Video: Greenpeace
We have known orangutans since we were kids as the famous King Louie in The Jungle Book. They are extremely intelligent creatures who share uncanny similarities with humans! From Ken Allen, a Bornean orangutan who unscrewed bolts with his fingers, reached around things and climbed steep walls to find temporary freedom from the San Diego Zoo to the 11 year old Rocky showing his ability to learn and replicate new sounds, and even control and alter voice in a “conversational” way, Orangutans have proven to be an amazing species. They are literally called ‘person of the forest’.
Unfortunately, this gentle species is facing extinction as their homes are are constantly raided and destroyed for palm oil. The palm oil boom led to deforestation in Sumatra first. But when plantations expanded onto Borneo, the destruction of natural forest, caused a habitat loss for the endemic Bornean orangutan of approximately 3,122 square kilometers (1,205 square miles) annually. Moreover, illegal logging, fueled by the international demand for cheap timber, and fires are making the forest disappear at an unsustainable rate. Hundreds of animals and plants are disappearing because of this and entire ecosystems are transformed into desert. Especially, the number of orangutans are dwindling due to poaching and illegal pet trade. Today, 90% of orangutan habitat has been destroyed with this mindless looting for selfish reasons.
picture credits: Korea Herald
It is time to take a pause, and rethink our position on this planet.
Lets take responsibility for the destruction and havoc we are causing. Its very easy to shift blame to the more obvious perpetrators like the palm oil companies.
But are we not equally responsible?
The same palm oil that is used in countless everyday products that we use, making us a part and parcel of this worldwide massacre! We are responsible for destroying homes and habitats of not just orangutans, but countless other species and causing extinction.
The call of the hour is to help save these creatures who are so akin to us, sharing 96.4% of our DNA.
- Join a cause. Join forces with the organizations that help to protect orangutans and their habitats. You can choose to foster an orphan orangutan at Orangutan Foundation International. Or adopt an orangutan family at World Wildlife Fund.
- Buy FSC-certified products. Ensure that the wood or paper products you use are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – certified. Promote sustainable forestry!
- Avoid Products that contain palm oil. Avoid using any palm oil products an help protect orangutans, other wildlife, and the rainforest.
picture: Greenglobaltravel
- Take Action. Associate with organisations that work towards wildlife conservation. Donate a monthly sum of Rs 500/- to World Wildlife Fund.
- Go Green. Be ecologically responsible and recycle. Buy recycled products. Measure your carbon footprint and learn other ways to conserve our planet.
- Spread the Word. Wherever you go, spread word about this cause, talk to your friends and make people more aware. In the larger scheme of things, every person counts.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
Spread word to about this amazing species and lets work towards creating a better future for all of us, including these animals who can’t raise their own voices.
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