Why Orangutans Must Be Protected?
Why Orangutans Must Be Protected – Orangutans are extraordinary creatures, sharing 97% of their DNA with humans, making them one of our closest relatives. Unfortunately, these intelligent apes are now “critically endangered” and face extinction unless urgent action is taken.
As the only great apes native to Asia, orangutans are found solely on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. There are three species: the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), and the newly discovered Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis). The vast majority of orangutans—over 85%—live in Indonesia, while the remaining population inhabits Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia.
Why Orangutans Matter
Orangutans, one of humanity’s closest relatives, are incredibly intelligent. They display complex emotions and behaviors, such as mourning the loss of a loved one, further underscoring their deep connection to humans. The name “orangutan,” meaning “person of the forest,” reflects this bond.
As keystone species, orangutans play a vital role in maintaining the health of the tropical forests where they live. By consuming a wide variety of fruits and dispersing seeds over large distances, they help regenerate forests. Their unique ability to digest and distribute larger seeds than other animals makes them essential to the survival of many plant species. Protecting orangutans also safeguards countless other species that depend on these forests, including plants and animals. Moreover, preserving these ecosystems is crucial for humanity and biodiversity alike.
The loss of Borneo’s tropical forests would be an ecological catastrophe. Not only would local communities suffer, but the global environment would also be impacted. Deforestation and forest fires release vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Additionally, local populations would lose vital resources and income. These forests have long been a source of medicinal plants, and ongoing research is exploring treatments for diseases such as cancer and AIDS derived from the flora of Borneo.
Losing orangutans would signify the potential loss of these forests and the countless forms of life they support. The ripple effects would be felt worldwide. By protecting orangutans, we are also preserving their forests, helping to combat climate change, and protecting resources essential to life on Earth.
