Borneo, Ravaged by Deforestation, Loses Nearly 150,000 Orangutans in 16 Years

A new study calculates that the island of Borneo lost nearly 150,000 orangutans in the period between 1999 and 2015, largely as a result of deforestation and killing. There were an estimated 104,700 of the critically endangered apes left as of 2012. The study also warns that another 45,000 orangutans are doomed by 2050 under the business-as-usual scenario, where forests are cleared for logging, palm oil, mining and pulpwood leases. Orangutans are also disappearing from intact forests, most likely being killed, the researchers say. The researchers have called for more effective partnerships between governments, industries and local communities to ensure the Bornean orangutan’s survival. Public education and awareness will also be key.

Read More: https://news.mongabay.com/2018/02/borneo-ravaged-by-deforestation-loses-nearly-150000-orangutans-in-16-years-study-finds/