Konservasi Alam

THE NATURE CONSERVACY

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          Indonesia covers around 1,3% of the world’s total land area. Yet, around 17% of the world’s animal species live in this small area. Many of these species are endemic to Indonesia. This means that they are found nowhere else in the world. Of all the species in Indonesia, the largest animals are primates. These animals are often said to be our closest relatives. Unfortunately, many primates are now in danger of extinction.

        The largest primates that are found in Indonesia are orang-utans. These are the only great apes which are found outside Africa. They are endemic to Indonesia and only found in Sumatera and Kalimantan. The name “orang utan” means “man of the forest”. And , as this name might suggest, these animals need large areas of forest in which to survive.

        Now, this is where the problem lies. Humans are continually cutting down trees, both legally and illegally, to satisfy the need for more wood. As forest disappear, so do the areas where orang utans can live. One estimate in 2002 suggested that wild orang utans could become extinct in the next fifteen to twenty years.

        However, in November 2002, a group called Nature Conservancy found a new population of orang utans in East Kalimantan. This find has raised hopes that through carefully planning and preservation of the area, the orang utan might be saved from extinction.

        Here are a few ideas based on information from Nature Conservancy :

Facts about orang utans

1. They are the world’s largest tree dwelling primate
2. Their primary diet is fruit
3. They are a good indicator of forest health
4. Since 1990, the wild orang utan population has declined by up to 50%

Threats to orang utans

• Illegal logging can devastate their habitat
• They are still kept as pets in some parts of the world
• Fires in 1997 destroyed forests they depend on

How people can help

•  Only buy wood and wood products that you know come from legal, sustainable forests
• Support the efforts of organizations like Nature Conservancy to protect the last great places on Earth

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