Indonesia’s orangutans struggle to survive

Palm oil companies are suspected of killing the endangered animals to preserve their plantations.

Orangutans killings pkg

Indonesia is home to about 90 per cent of the world’s wild orangutan population, and was once covered by lush rain forests.

But the endangered animals are quickly losing their natural habitat since more forests are being converted into palm oil plantations.

The country has become the world’s largest producer of palm oil in just a few years. 

In the island of Borneo at least four palm oil company employees are suspected of killing the endangered animals.

Orangutan experts say the increasing conflict between the animals and companies operating in the forest can only be solved if the government is more serious about conservation.

Around 75 per cent of the remaining orangutan population is currently being trapped in plantations.

Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen reports from East Kalimantan.

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Source: Al Jazeera