Attitude is yet another factor which could have contributed to the decline of the orang-utan population. Attitudes refer to the evaluative reactions to behaviours based on beliefs about the behaviours. The underlying reasons for why the locals engaged in these illegal activities are poverty and the limited options available for economic development. There is also a high demand for forest products (timber) and palm oil. Furthermore, immediate cash earnings lure many people into the illegal trade and the conversion of forests.

Therefore, their attitude towards such activities would be a positive one because these activities would be perceived as avenues which can bring them out of poverty, securing a better life for themselves and their family. Improved standard of living would be of utmost priority to them. Having a positive attitude towards engagement to these activities show that they are supportive of it. This actually shows that the people’s primary interest would be to earn money to break away from the poverty cycle regardless of whether the activity that they engaged in has devastating consequences on the forests and orang-utans.