How endangered are orangutans?
Sumatran orangutans are classified as critically endangered whereas the bornean species is classified as endangered. Today there are only around 50,000 orangutans remaining in the wild, compared to a figure of 315,000 in 1900. This is a huge fall of 80% and the figures are still declining. In terms of a numbers split, there are estimated to be just over 7,000 Sumatran orangutans in the wild, compared to around 45,000 Bornean orangutans. Why are orangutans endangered? The main reason for the rapid decline in orangutan populations is the loss of their habitat, the rainforest. Over the past 20 years 80% of their natural habitat has been destroyed due to logging and mining, leaving them with ever smaller areas to survive in. How can you help? To help directly you can adopt an orangutan. This starts from £3 a month and can make a real difference to conservation efforts. In terms of indirect help, using recycled paper helps as it means that there’s less pressure and demand for logging, and a
