Sumatran Orangutan
- Malcolm Myers
- Feb 14
- 1 min read
According to National Geographic, the current population of Sumatran orangutans is estimated to be around 14,000 individuals. They are classified as critically endangered due to several key factors:
Habitat Loss: The primary threat to Sumatran orangutans is deforestation, driven by logging, palm oil plantations, and infrastructure development. Their forest homes are being destroyed at an alarming rate.
Illegal Pet Trade: Sumatran orangutans are often captured and sold as pets due to their docile nature. This illegal trade further reduces their population.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: As their habitat shrinks, orangutans are forced to venture into human settlements in search of food, leading to conflicts with humans.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures and altered weather patterns disrupt their habitats and food sources, adding to their challenges.
These factors combined make the survival of Sumatran orangutans increasingly difficult. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitat.
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