Orang utans
The Problem:
The Orang utans are critically endangered because their habitat is being destroyed for palm plantations, so they have nowhere to live. People are illegally cutting down the rainforest to grow palm trees and for the wood. Each week there are about 50 Orang utans slaughtered due to deforestation.
Where they live?
Orang utans live in Indonesia, in Borneo and Sumatra. In Sumatra there are about 7,300 Orang utans living in the rainforest. In Borneo there is about 45,000 to 50,000
Orang utans left in the wild. The Orang utans live in the tops of the trees, so they can be safe up there.
Use Google Earth to view maps of Indonesia, Sumatra and Borneo.
Facts about Orang utans:
* female Orang utans only have a baby every 6 to 10 years
*
Orang utans can live from 15 to 20 years old
* the word Orang utan means 'forest person'
* Orang utans can grab things with their feet and hands
According to Auckland Zoo Orang utans will be extinct in about 12 years, if the deforestation and burning of peat forests continues.
To find out more about Orang utans click here.
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