Orang-utans play vital role in keeping forest ecosystems healthy

The orang-utan plays a very important role in the lowland rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo and is considered a keystone species. Keystone species are species whose very existence in an ecosystem greatly affects the health of other species and the ecosystem at large. When a keystone species’ numbers decline or they completely disappear,
the survival and abundance of many other species in the ecosystem are negatively impacted. A comparison of different rainforest areas in Sumatra and Borneo where orang-utans live shows that the biodiversity of plant and animal species is also the highest. As fruit eaters and travellers, orang-utans play a large part in dispersing seeds and keeping diversity of rainforest woody plants. Their protection is vital to the overall health of the lowland forest ecosystem in which they thrive.

 

Orang-utans are amazing creatures but things are not so rosy in their world: deforestation, poaching and other irresponsible human activities are pushing them to the brink of extinction. We have to do something NOW to save their fast-dwindling numbers. Otherwise, by the time our grandchildren are born, there will no longer be any orang-utans left in the wild. Dr Jane Goodall, the famed primate expert, once said 'Only if we understand can we care, only if we care will be help, only if we help shall they be saved.' That's a pretty good place to start.

Did you know that orang-utans have been taught sign language?

Did you know what orang-utan’s fruit is? It could be the same as yours!

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