The Orangutan: Tapanuli Forest Conservation Support Program

Project Animal(s) : Orangutan
Project Category : Mammals
Project Region : Asia
Project Type : Conservation
Project URL : http://sumatranrainforest.org/the-orangutan-and-tapanuli-forest-conservation-support-program/
Project is timebound? : No

The Sumatran Orangutan is a critically endangered species, struggling to survive in the island’s rapidly shrinking forests. Their natural habitat has been severely reduced due to deforestation and illegal logging, and poaching also poses a serious threat to their survival. SRI is supporting the reforestation of an area of more than 1,000 acres in the Tapanuli Forest, particularly in the Batangtoru zone, in order to secure some suitable land where Orangutans can live. SRI also operates a team who can help Orangutans in need, the Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU).

Due to illegal logging and clearing land for palm oil plantations, Indonesia’s rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate. The destruction of these forests has serious consequences for not only the species of plants and animals that live there, but for the health of the planet, too. Rainforests are often called “the lungs of the Earth” because of the essential role they play in absorbing Carbon Dioxide and pollution and releasing Oxygen. As Indonesia’s forests are declining, they are becoming less able to perform this role. In Sumatra, the Batang Toru forest supports a high level of biodiversity and provides a home for one of the largest populations of the wild Sumatran Orangutan, but this important habitat is at serious risk.

Project Agency : Sumatra Rainforest Institute