Deforestation 'prevents orangutans being reintroduced into the wild'

The deforestation of vast portions of rainforest in south-east Asia is putting the habitats of orangutans at serious risk, an environmental expert has warned.

Rhett Butler, founder and editor of Mongabay, stressed that as Borneo's rainforests continue to get destroyed in favour of oil palm plantations, there is nowhere to re-introduce orphaned orangutans.

Writing on Yale Environment 360, the official publication of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, he explained that orphaned orangutans at the Nyary Menteng centre may not be able to be reintroduced into the wild due to the effects of the Indonesian palm oil industry.

"Suitable habitat in Borneo and Sumatra - the two islands that are home to the world's entire population of wild orangutans - is being deforested so rapidly that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find locations for reintroduction," Mr Butler commented.

He added that it is important not to give up on rehabilitation efforts because they are vital in generating increased awareness about conservation issues.

According to the Orangutan Foundation, despite over 40 years of orangutan rehabilitation, the number of primates in care is increasing instead of going down.

Written by Sandra Mann

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