The Bornean orangutan is one of Asia’s most precious natural treasures. This primate is endemic to the island of Borneo, meaning it cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
As one of the three orangutan species in Indonesia, alongside the Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans, the Bornean orangutan has distinctive features that set it apart, ranging from body size and fur color to unique behavioral traits.
Often referred to as the “forest human,” this primate shares remarkable anatomical similarities with humans, including the ability to use simple tools and display complex social intelligence.
Bornean orangutans are also known for their slow reproductive rate. A female typically gives birth only once every eight years, making each new individual exceptionally valuable for the survival of the species. Yet, today, the existence of the Bornean orangutan hangs by a thread.
Population Decline and Threats
According to the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, the current population of Bornean orangutans is estimated at around 57,350 individuals, a drastic drop from approximately 288,500 in 1973. This represents an 80% decline in less than five decades. The primary cause of this sharp decrease is the loss of forest habitat, which serves as both home and food source for the species.
Between 1973 and 2010, Borneo lost nearly 39% of its forests due to massive deforestation driven by the expansion of palm oil plantations, mining, logging, and urban development. Palm oil production alone increased fifteen-fold from 1980 to 2014, placing even more pressure on the remaining tropical rainforests.
Seasonal forest fires and the effects of climate change have further deteriorated orangutan habitats, making them increasingly vulnerable to conflicts with humans.
Hunting and illegal wildlife trade add to the threats facing Bornean orangutans. Infant orangutans are often captured for the exotic pet trade, while adults are sometimes killed illegally during human-wildlife conflicts. These pressures demonstrate that legal protections alone are insufficient to safeguard this extraordinary species.
Legal Protection Status
All orangutan species are listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), indicating the highest level of protection against international trade.
In Indonesia, orangutans are also protected under national law. However, despite these regulations, enforcement remains limited, and they have not yet stopped the real threats orangutans face.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies all three species, Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli orangutans, as “Critically Endangered.”
While hunting was historically the main threat, habitat destruction is now the leading cause of population decline. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive conservation approach that involves governments, NGOs, industries, and local communities.
Why Protecting Orangutans Matters
Orangutans play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of tropical rainforest ecosystems. They act as natural seed dispersers, helping forests regenerate and providing habitats for other species. Losing orangutans would disrupt ecosystems that have evolved over thousands of years.
Protecting the Bornean orangutan is not just about saving a single species, it is about preserving the tropical forests of Borneo, often called the “lungs of the Earth.”
Every conservation effort, from supporting protected areas and monitoring sustainable palm oil practices to public education campaigns, directly contributes to the survival of this iconic primate.
How You Can Help
The good news is that there are many ways to support orangutan conservation:
- Support conservation and rehabilitation programs through reputable organizations.
- Raise awareness about the threats facing orangutans on social media or in local communities.
- Choose eco-friendly products that do not harm rainforest habitats, such as certified sustainable palm oil.
Every individual can play a role. The Bornean orangutan is Asia’s only great ape, and the actions we take today will determine whether these incredible primates continue to inhabit Borneo’s forests for generations to come.
