Is the Sumatran Orangutan Worth Saving?
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We Must Act Now - Claire's Opinion
Each day, dozens of species go extinct (Extinction Crisis, 2017). Although some background extinction is natural, the rate at which species are disappearing from our planet is terrifying, and entirely human-caused. The irresponsible way in which humans have exploited this planet has caused an extreme reduction in biodiversity, weakening and destroying ecosystems around the world. Although it would be impossible to save every species from this horrible fate, there are some species which simply must be preserved. Sumatran Orangutans are worth saving because of their vital importance to the rainforests and therefore humans
Sumatran Orangutans are critical to the survival of the forests which they live in. These animals are a keystone species, keeping rainforests functioning and beautiful (Orangutan Diet, 2017). Sumatran Orangutans pay a vital role as seed dispersers. There is an abundance of seeds in the rainforests that must pass through an orangutan's digestive system before that can sprout. One these seeds have been consumed by orangutans through fruit, they are deposited through the rainforests by these orangutans, surrounded by all the nutrients these seeds need to grow, in the form of the orangutan’s excrement. These Orangutans also physically open up the canopy of the rainforest, allowing light to reach plants growing on the forest floor (Orangutan Diet, 2017). All of these services which the orangutans provide are critical to the survival of the forests.
Our planet, and all the species living on it, need these rainforests to survive, so unless we as humans want to ensure our own destruction, we need to start acting now. Without rainforests, our world would be a very different place. Tropical forests function as critical carbon “sinks.” They absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide, and release mass amounts of oxygen. Unfortunately, as rainforests disappear, because of deforestation and the crumbling of ecosystems due to extinction, much of this carbon dioxide is being released back into the atmosphere, and the production of oxygen by these forests is halted. There is currently no modern technology that removes carbon from the air as efficiently as forests (Carey, 2017). Orangutans are critical to the survival of these forests, which are critical to the survival of humans.
Saving the Sumatran Orangutans will not be easy, but it certainly is possible. The biggest threat to these incredible animals is habitat loss. Gorgeous rainforests are constantly being cut down in order to make room for palm oil plantations which is unacceptable! Unfortunately, right now, the palm oil industry is worth about $90 billion dollars which means that palm oil corporations are pretty powerful (Palm Oil, 2017). Although stopping this deforestation and repairing damaged rainforests may seem like a daunting task, it is one that must be undertaken, regardless of whether or not the Sumatran Orangutans need to be saved. There are currently many captive breeding programs throughout Indonesia that have been incredibly successful in introducing orangutans to their natural habitat. With more funding and support these programs along with rainforest protection movements could really turn things around for the Sumatran Orangutan. This species is still fighting for survival regardless of all the challenges it faces. We as humans owe it to the orangutans, the rainforests, and ourselves to fight alongside these brave animals.
To Save or Not To Save - Quincy's Opinion
The decline of the orangutans, highly intelligent and human-like in their mannerisms, should serve as a warning to the human race. As we attempt to extract more and more from our increasingly fragile planet, we are harming some of the most beautiful, exotic animals on earth. If we can cause the near collapse of a very human-like creature like the Sumatran Orangutan, what’s to say that won’t be our fate? However, there is still hope. Orangutans, ecologically fundamental to the health of the Indonesian rainforests and with a high economic value in their tourism appeal, are undeniably possible to save from extinction.
First off, orangutans rely on the rainforest to sustain them. You must understand that when I say that Sumatran Orangutans are important to save, this is not only in order to help them, but also for the rainforest ecosystem which relies on the value of their seed dispersal. Orangutans eat over 300 types of fruit and thus distribute seeds through their excrement (Sumatran, 2016). This is especially important for trees and bushes with large seeds, which would otherwise fall straight down, growing only in certain areas. Orangutans are one of the driving forces behind the amazing diversity of tree species which is common in tropical rainforests, and help them to be known for their high rate of primary productivity. They are undoubtedly a keystone species in their ecosystems. Additionally, tropical rainforests harness billions of tons of CO2, keeping the earth cool (Niera, 2013). It is absolutely necessary that we do our part and allow orangutans to fulfill their natural niche to serve the greater ecosystem and disperse seeds.
Secondly, Orangutans are important for their ability to generate revenue in local economies. Orangutans help to create jobs for veterinarians, environmentalists, and anyone involved in helping to protect natural lands and captive wild animals (Wich, 2011). Additionally, tourism is a growing economic force in Indonesia, and Orangutans are the main attraction. I recently went to Bali in Indonesia, an island where orangutans aren’t even found, and they were still advertised across the island on billboards and signs. In total tourism generated over 9% of Indonesia’s GDP in 2014 (How, 2014). In this way, orangutans and the vibrant ecosystems which support them are crucial to the economy of Indonesia and cannot be exploited.
Saving the Sumatran Orangutan is a task which will take tremendous effort if it is to be done. The palm oil industry, which is the driving force behind deforestation and thus the decline of the orangutans, is worth close to $90 billion, and extremely powerful. Most important is that we stop or slow down the rate of habitat loss of the orangutan, and to do this the government must be involved. Setting up new, larger areas where rainforests cannot be cut down is crucial, and the regulation of the palm oil industry will also help. Around the globe, individuals can be aware of what they buy, and boycott unsustainable palm oil products to reduce demand. Finally, supporting breeding programs and donating to conservation organizations are a fantastic way to do your part to protect the orangutans. While it may seem daunting, it is important that individuals realize how much of an impact they have on the survival of orangutans, and that with a little effort we can protect them from extinction.