Why is the focus on Orang-utan?
Orang-utans are one of the endangered populations in the lower Kinabatangan. The ape and its habitat are threatened by the extensive conversion of their habitat to agriculture land. There are about 1,125 individuals in the lower Kinabatangan wildlife sanctuary which makes that the largest population in Malaysia . Being the fact that it is endemic to Borneo (besides Sumatra ), it provides a great opportunity to highlight the Orang-utan as an ecotourism icon to achieve conservation goal in this area. If local communities sees benefit from tourism, they will protect the Orang-utan and at the same time ensure that conservation initiatives are carried out.
