We Need Orangutans
A Hero Among the Trees
Part of the Family
Holding The Ecosystem Together
Sumatran Orangutans are more than a cute animal to watch. They are a keystone species. These endearing cousins hold their ecosystem together in the face of crisis (Orangutan Diet, 2017). Because they are frugivores, these loving families are critically important, ensuring the survival of countless plants throughout the rainforests, therefore supporting all rainforest species. When the Orangutans are gone the rainforest ecosystem will slowly collapse.
They Are Practically Our Cousins
Bright orange orangutans fly through the trees swinging from branch to branch, hanging from their long, strong fingertips. These beautiful creatures have a priceless aesthetic value to attract tourists from all around the world, bringing revenue to countries like Indonesia. Orangutans are also our closest looking relatives, sharing 97% of their DNA with humans (Orangutan Facts, 2016). The animals are brilliant creatures, and not only care for their young much like us, but also express their emotions just like humans, showing facial expressions to represent joy, anger, fear, and so much more. When they are young, orangutans cry when they are hungry, whimper when hurt, and have deep, joyful connections with their mothers (About Orangutans, 2017). These animals stay away from humans when possible, living up at the top of the forest canopy (About Orangutans, 2017)
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Beloved by the locals
Sumatran Orangutans also have a place in Indonesian mythology. Old stories say that orangutans actually have the ability to talk, but never do because they are afraid of being put to work (About Orangutans, 2017). These smart, social animals have the intrinsic value of a right to life, but with the way things are currently going, they don't have a shot at survival. Orangutans are, in this way, a vital species to save from a social standpoint. Plus, we must understand that it is not our role to determine what can and can’t share this earth with us. Morally speaking, we can’t allow ourselves to be responsible for the death of these majestic creatures.
The Gardeners of the Forest
Sumatran Orangutans play a vital role in the dispersal of seeds throughout their habitat. Many seeds need to pass through the orangutans’ digestive system before they can even sprout. These animals are often referred to as the ‘gardeners of the forest’. After consuming the seeds of plants, they deposit them through the forest surrounded by all the nutrients those plants need to grow; their excrement. These plants include figs, jackfruit, and many other important species to both rainforest animals and humans. Through their daily activity in the treetops, orangutans also physically open up the canopy of the rainforest, allowing light to reach the forest floor and supporting the growth of young and low-growing plants (Orangutan Diet, 2017). Thus, the Sumatran Orangutans occupy a niche which must be fulfilled in order for the ecosystem to function. Without orangutans, many species of trees, shrubs, and groundcover would go extinct over a short period of time, completely altering the beautiful landscape of the rainforests where these orangutans live (Sumatran Orangutans, 2017).
A World Without The Orangutans
If the Sumatran Orangutan were to become ecologically extinct, which is likely to happen soon if we don’t act now, these ecosystems would suffer greatly. The loss of this species of orangutan would reduce biodiversity in these areas, weakening the ecosystem’s resilience and making them susceptible to fall apart in the face of environmental changes. Although rainforests tend to be full of biodiversity, the loss of a keystone species, like the Sumatran Orangutan, could quickly push these magnificent forests towards their tipping point beyond which human intervention is too late. We cannot wait any longer, we must act now!
Beautiful sunrise over the forest canopy (Rainforest, 2015)
Adolescent orangutan enjoying a snack (Orangutan, n.d.)
Biodiversity Bringing Balance
Biodiversity is the safety net that holds ecosystems together in the face of crisis. Each organism, no matter how insignificant they may seem, plays a crucial role in their community. Sumatran Orangutans are especially important to the web of biodiversity in the rainforests where they live. As the effects of loss of these incredible animals rippled out, it could have a tremendous effect on the entire ecosystem. Sumatran Orangutans are so close to extinction that there is a very limited amount of genetic diversity within their species. Genetic diversity is critical because it allows populations to adapt to changing conditions and dangerous threats. Having a greater variety of genes encouraged natural selection and evolution, guiding populations and species towards success. Orangutans do not have this luxury. Their limited gene pool makes them week in the face of crisis (The Importance of Genetic Diversity, 2018 ). Functional diversity also helps ecosystems to thrive. A variety of species is critical in order to ensure that all of the unique and important niches within an ecosystem are filled. This keeps ecosystems like the beautiful rainforests of Indonesia functioning smoothly, and maintains their productivity. The biodiversity within ecosystems is not the only diversity that is critically important. Ecosystem diversity is needed in order to keep the entire planet safe and stable. As species like the Sumatran orangutan go extinct, ecosystems begin to collapse, leaving Earth with a smaller variety of ecosystems. With the abundance of threats that face our planet, including climate change, and the scarcity of resources, biodiversity is needed more than ever. A diverse range of ecosystems containing thick webs of biodiversity is what our planet needs in order to have a fighting chance of surviving the struggles that lay ahead.
A beautiful misty rainforest (Misty Rainforest, 2007)