Help Us To Save Orang-Utans From Extinction
Several decades ago orang-utans totalled hundreds of thousands
and flourished in their natural habitats of southeast Asia and
China. Today numbers of these beautiful creatures total less
than 50,000 pushing them perilously close to extinction, and
human beings are directly responsible.
Orang-utans spend most of their time in trees avoiding natural
predators such as leopards, crocodiles and tigers.
Unfortunately, the trees have become victims of the logging
trade - vast regions of Asia and China have been subjected to
deforestation - resulting in a catastrophic loss of habitat and
huge competition for space.
Man is also responsible for the deaths of many mothers, allowing
their babies to be stolen and later sold as pets. Orang-utans
are born to be wild and cannot live a happy and fulfilling live
in the captivity of inexperienced owners. Orang-utans live in
close-knit family communities. Imagine having your child stolen
from you and sold to someone as a pet. It doesn't bear thinking.
Orang-utans are extremely intelligent creatures; they have been
observed utilising tools in their everyday lives. Their
character is receptive to remarkable acts of kindness. It is not
uncommon for adults to come across orphanages and play with the
young apes, helping them learn the skills needed in adulthood.
Today, orang-utans live exclusively in Borneo and Sumatra. The
'man of the forest' is now at last chance saloon and time is
precious. The real tragedy is Borneo harbours no natural
predators. Humans with dogs are their only hunters in this
region.
We can no longer remain passive. Time is running out for many
creatures on our planet. Scientists estimate by the year 2050,
one in every three species alive today will be extinct. This is
a dreadful statistic and needs addressing now. With a little
thought, alternative working strategies can be implemented to
help man and nature live together more harmoniously.