Bornean orang-utans are a species of orang-utans that are seen on the island of Borneo. Sharing more than 90 per cent of their DNA with humans, orang-utans are highly intelligent and skilled animals. They are small sized apes that eat over 500 plant species for their diet.
Experts hold that orang-utans are important for the major role they play in seed dispersal. This helps, in a large way, in keeping forests healthy.
But this species is also special, and rather precious, because of their falling numbers, According to the IUCN, the population of Bornean orang-utans has dropped by almost two-third since the 1970s.
The most important factors contributing to this includes hunting and conversion of forest land. The pet trade using young orang-utans that involves huge cash is another threat before the species.
Besides these, there are merciless attacks and sometimes killings by local residents, when the orang-utans move into agricultural areas and feed on them.
The WWF is one of the few organisations that work with governments, and local bodies to conserve Bornean orang-utans.
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