Why Are They Important:

Orangutans, as one of our closest living relatives, are highly intelligent and sentient beings. They have the capacity to form deep personal bonds and experience emotions, including grief over the loss of loved ones, making them more similar to humans than many realize. In Indonesia, this connection is evident in the word "Orangutan" itself, which originates from "Orang" and "Hutan", meaning "Man of the Forest".

As a keystone species, orangutans play a critical role in the health of the tropical forest ecosystems they inhabit. They serve as essential agents of seed dispersal by consuming a diverse range of fruits, including seeds larger than those typically consumed by most frugivores. During their long journeys, they deposit these seeds, contributing to forest regeneration. Protecting orangutans in their natural habitats not only safeguards their existence but also conserves numerous other species of flora and fauna. Preserving these forest ecosystems is equally vital for humanity, as they play a crucial role in maintaining global biodiversity.

The loss of Borneo's rainforests would be an ecological catastrophe with far-reaching consequences, affecting not only local communities but the entire planet. Clearing and burning these forests release substantial carbon stores into the atmosphere, exacerbating the global climate change crisis. Simultaneously, local communities lose their livelihoods and vital resources. Furthermore, the disappearance of tropical forests has profound implications for medical advancements, as these regions have historically been the source of breakthroughs in medicine. Currently, scientists are conducting trials on promising new drugs derived from Bornean plant species to combat diseases like cancer and AIDS.

When we lose orangutans, we jeopardize not only the forests and the life they support but also the well-being of the entire planet.