Critically endangered orangutans are the climate heroes we need! These incredible creatures act as 'ecosystem engineers', their everyday behaviour helps to sustain tropical rainforests that combat climate change. Protecting wild orangutans creates a thriving future for them, people, and the planet.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Orangutans once thrived across Sumatra. Now, fewer than 14,000 Sumatran and just 800 Tapanuli orangutans remain. The forests they call home are being lost and fragmented due to farming, logging, and road-building. These human pressures on their habitat are decreasing the space for wild orangutans to roam, feed, and breed. Without intervention, these beautiful, rare creatures face an uncertain future, as will their biodiversity-rich rainforest habitat which is vital to help fight climate chaos.
Solution
We can protect wild orangutans by supporting local, frontline NGO partners and communities who understand the precious and fragile orangutan landscapes in North Sumatra. Together we can reverse forest loss by rewilding degraded areas with trees that provide food and shelter for orangutans and also enhance biodiversity. We can help reduce fragmentation by protecting forest corridors and promoting canopy bridges to maintain long-term, resilient connectivity across critical orangutan landscapes.
