Habitat Loss

Source: World Ape Fund

Source: World Ape Fund

Habitat loss caused by massive deforestation remains as one of the greatest threats to both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans. Indonesia has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, and Sumatra has lost almost half of its forests in the last 25 years. Today, orangutans have lost more than 80% of their homes over the past 20 years.

One of the major contributors to deforestation has got to do with the rapid expansion of palm oil plantations. With each plantation that is cultivated, it clears out thousands of hectares of forests and takes the lives of many orangutans — all for the sake of gaining profits. Other causes of habitat loss, includes both illegal and unsustainable logging, as well as governmental projects.

Source: Care2

Apart from habitat loss, habitat degradation and fragmentation can also have devasting consequences to the home of the orangutan. Plans to build a major road in northern Sumatra remains as a threat to one of the largest areas of the orangutan’s habitat. Not only will the road fragment the forest, it will also allow easier access for illegal logging activities and human settlements, eventually leading to deforestation.

For more information on habitat loss, click on the links below to find out more:

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