Orang-Utans - Orangutans - "Man of the Forest" - Orangutangs

Orangutan watching Orang-Utans

Orang-utans live on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in South-east Asia and are the only great apes found outside Africa. The populations on the two islands have been separate for more than a million years and scientists now consider them as distinct sub-species: the Sumatran orang-utan and the Bornean orang-utan. The Bornean species of orangutans is highly endangered with around 24,000 remaining. The Sumatran species is critically endangered with just a tiny population surviving. Over the past 100 years orang-utans have lost 91 per cent of their population.

The most serious threat to orang-utans is the destruction of their rainforest habitat.

It is my opinion that Ecotourism can really help with the survival of this species. The Orangutans are such endearing creatures that it is almost impossible to consider doing any physical harm to them. If they are to be watched in their natural habitat, then the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo should never be destroyed. Yet the population in these countries is poor and under educated compared with our modern world. They are concerned with their own survival and need money and financial motivation. Well organised ecotourism can bring money to these areas and help substitute their need to clear forests. Politicians must tackle the business world - ecotourism can be a valuable asset to both countries and should be encouraged with appropriate financial incentives to grow.

read what the World Wildlife Foundation is doing

You can help with your Orangutan watching holiday package by selecting a responsible ecotourism package that will help put money back into the communities of Sumatra and Borneo. Please ask your tour operator as many questions as possible about their policies for being a responsible ecotourist. Join the World Wildlife Foundation as a sponsor of their good works.

Examples of Orang-utan watching Orangutans holiday packages

Orangutan Conservation Holidays and Orangutan Safaris in Borneo

Nature Trek Trip - stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge - watch Orang-utans in the Danum Valley forests

Watching Orangutans in the comfort of your own computer at youtube Best of Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS)