Brown eyes, orange or reddish hair – can you guess which animal we are talking about? Orangutans. Yes, they are not only cures but one of the most intelligent and smart animals, sharing almost 97% of human DNA.
But now, it is not only utterly disheartening but extremely sad to hear that this species is critically endangered. The day will not be too far when no more orangutans are left if immediate action is not taken. Do you adopt an orangutan? Yes, this is the first thing humans can do to protect this endangered species.
Why Orangutans Are Valuable Species to Be Protected Forever?
Orangutans are one of the closest living relatives. No other animals can form intimate and strong personal bonds like orangutans. The way they experience such emotions and show grief over losing a loved one is just like humans.
In Indonesia, people believe this thing more. ‘The term ‘orangutan’ comes from combining ‘orang’ (meaning person) and ‘hutan’ (meaning forest), translating to ‘person of the forest’.
Orangutans are a keystone species, meaning they’re vital to the health and balance of tropical forest ecosystems. In seed dispersal, their actions speak louder than words. By eating a wide range of fruits, they help disperse seeds across the forest, supporting plant growth and regeneration. They also travel long distances, which helps them deposit seeds easily. Hence, they protect the overall ecosystems.
Moreover, by protecting orangutans, countless flora and fauna are also protected. We know that conserving forest ecosystems is extremely important to maintain biodiversity.
Ways You Can Help To Protect the Endangered Orangutans
Humans and other species are in danger now. From the air view, the forests appear that all orangutans have taken over the land, leaving the forests bare. Rivers are drying up, and seeds are not depositing, showing an image of deforestation and proof that the species are becoming endangered.
To protect the endangered orangutans, it is advisable to apply different methods and support conservation efforts. In addition, you can make sustainable consumer choices and raise awareness to protect this species. Here are some methods –
● Specifically, you can adopt an orangutan
● Donate to different conservation organizations
● Also, you can choose the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified products
● Reduce the usage of palm oil consumption
● Volunteer with orangutan rehabilitation centres
● Spread awareness and learn more about orangutans and their species
● Support different organizations working to protect their habitat.
Be a Conscious Consumer
To contribute to protecting orangutans’ lives and saving the precious ecosystem, we have to come ahead. Just making some small approaches can make significant changes.
● When shopping for wood or paper products, always look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label on the packaging.
● As the FSC is a non-profit organization that certifies sustainable forest management, you can be confident that the FSC label products are safe to use. You can be sure that the products created using the raw materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests.
● You can always look for the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) label for many beauty and food products. This label ensures that no primary forests (or areas home to significant wildlife or fragile ecosystems) have been harmed or cleared for the cultivation of these palm oil crops.
● If your favorite brands don’t have this label or certification, you can stop using them. You can also get in touch with those brands, speak for endangered species, and let the brands know they should source materials and create products with sustainable and environment-friendly solutions.
Remember that every conscious consumer should make the right choice. Thus, you can decide wisely and save the rainforests that beautiful wildlife calls home.
Donate or adopt
Additionally, if you want to do more, you can always support the necessary and inspiring work of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia. They take all the necessary measures that could protect these critically endangered species.
You can donate also donate or adopt an orangutan today. Remember that your support can always help their collaboration with local communities and governments. Similarly, they can focus on restoring the degraded peatlands, providing a safe place for orangutans, and working with many businesses that provide sustainable production.
Adopting an orangutan through a reliable and leading organization is no doubt wonderful! You can make them great pets. Similarly, you can get fabulous photos, get to know their amazing stories, and even get updates on how protecting such endangered species is done.
Many organizations work in soft-release programs with such engendered species. In this program, some endangered species are rescued, cared for, and looked after until they are ready to return to the wild.
So, if you want to have this opportunity to be a volunteer of this species, you can contact your favourite orangutan organization today.
