Orangutan

Orangutans - Endangered Species

Picture source:
America Zoo

Once found on the territory of southeastern Asia, Orangutans have experienced decline in both numbers and range. This species is now considered endangered and is under protection in its native countries and abroad. Though Orangutan population is hard to estimate in dense forested areas, it is believed that there are about 6,500-7,500 animals in Sumatra and about 12,000-13,000 in Borneo.

Orangutans - Reasons for Population Decline

Extensive hunting for zoo exhibitions and for pets has contributed to population decline. Desire to have this exotic animal in zoos and as pets has led to considerable species destruction. Habitat loss is considered the number one threat for the Orangutan. Massive deforestation for agriculture and timber business is likely to make the species go extinct. According to some scientists, if no serious conservation measures are taken, the population of Orangutans may disappear for good within the period of ten years.

Despite the fact that there exist protection laws for the species, deforestation and poaching still occur. This is likely to be connected with the political situation in the areas where the Orangutan is found. The ruling government collapse in the 1990s in these areas has led to anarchy. Law implementation is considered to be extremely difficult.

Considerable logging occurs for commercial use of valuable trees. It has been estimated that even one round of logging is affecting the Orangutan population drastically. Logging means habitat loss for the species. Orangutans find themselves deprived of spaces to travel in search of food. Scarce vegetation and fruits absence may lead to starvation and disease that doom the species to extinction.

Orangutans - Conservation Measures

It is believed that success in Orangutan conservation measures can be achieved on the condition of joined efforts of the species' native countries' governments and international wildlife organizations. Improving protection law implementation and stopping deforestation are surely vital aspects in conservation of Orangutans.

Orangutans - Species Conservation Links

Bagheera's In the Wild - Orangutans - Presents articles about this endangered ape, threats to his survival and conservation actions. Check out photos and video.

Orangutans - Pictures

Picture source:
National Geographic News

Balikpapan Orangutan Society - Comprehensive resource offers basic biological facts about these mammals, an organization profile, news reports, and membership details.

BC Society for the Protection of Animals - Orangutans - Contains description of Orangutans characteristics and behavior. Find out why they are endangered and what can be done to help them.

Illegal Logging Threatens Indonesia's Orangutans - Illegal logging is destroying the Orangutan's natural habitat.

International Wildlife Magazine - How to be an Orangutan - Scientists train captive Orangutans to survive in their natural habitat in Southeast Asia.

Orangutan Conservation - Brookfield Zoo is proud to participate in a successful Orangutan breeding program as part of the Species Survival Plan for these apes.

Orangutan Conservation and Management Workshop Executive Summary - the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG), in collaboration with the Wanariset Orangutan Reintroduction Project and the Primate Specialist Group, conducted a workshop to produce a plan to counter the primary threats to Orangutan survival and minimize their risk of extinction.

Orangutan Foundation International - Read about this group's research and conservation efforts, learn about its field facilities and examine its calendar of events.

Orangutan Foundation UK - Charity seeks to protect the Orangutan and to conserve its rainforest habitat while caring for and repatriating ex-captive Orangutans back into the wild.

Orangutan Health Project - Research project based in Sumatra investigating the use of medicinal plants by Orangutans. Includes photo gallery and volunteer program.

Orangutan Numbers Plummeting Worldwide - Efforts to rescue endangered Orangutans from hunting and habitat destruction.

Orangutan Sanctuary - Provides information and resources for professionals working to save the Orangutan in rehabilitation sites and sanctuaries.

Orangutans Losing Battle for Survival - March 2001 article reports on how political and economic instability in Indonesia is driving the Orangutan towards extinction.

Orangutans Online - Resource provides news and describes factors facing Orangutans and their habitat in Borneo and Sumatra: illegal logging, palm oil plantations, and the illegal pet trade.

Orangutans, Just Hangin' On - Offers articles about Orangutans intelligence and use of tools, includes photographs and resources. Learn about efforts to save these primates.

Population and Habitat Viability Analysis - The first Population and Habitat Viability Analysis (PHVA) Workshop for Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) was held in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia on 18-20 January 1993. PDF file.

Protecting the Sumatran Orangutan (pongo abelii) - Humans and their activities are seriously threatening the existence of Orangutans, like that of so many others of Indonesia's animal species.

Save Orangutans - Save Orangutans by Stopping Illegal Logging of Gunung Palung National Park.

Orangutans - Pictures

Picture source:
Sumatra Orangutans

Smithsonian Magazine - No Exit - Museum periodical offers an article about the illegal Indonesian pet trade and its effects on wild Orangutan populations. Includes links and a video clip.

Southeast Asia Conservation - Learn more about the Kinabatangan Orangutan

Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme - The Sumatran Orangutan conservation programme is co-directed by PanEco Foundation, Zoological Society of Frankfurt a/M (FZS), the Nature Conservation Service of the Republic of Indonesia (PHKA), and the Foundation for a Sustainable Ecosystem (YEL).

Sumatran Orangutan Society - Charitable group aims to conserve the species in its natural habitat, educate the public to its plight and support the Bohorok Orangutan Centre.

Sumatran Orangutans - The first comprehensive conservation program for the critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan.

The Australian Orangutan Project - The Australian Orangutan Project supports many Orangutan conservation organizations.

WCMC Species Under Threat: Orangutan - Discover the Orangutan's threat category and population by reviewing this fact sheet from the World Conservation Monitoring Center.

WWF - Orangutan - Biology and conservation issues.