Indonesia’s rich biodiversity homes more than 500 species that are vulnerable to extinction. Among them are three subspecies that play important roles in the ecosystem: Sumatran tigers, Sumatran elephants, and the Bornean orangutans.
Orangutans serve as the “gardeners” of the forest. Living mostly on treetops, these intelligent creatures share 96.4 percent of our genes and play a vital role in seed dispersal in their habitats. Meanwhile, the tigers are apex predators that balance the wildlife population. What about the elephants? Well, they help other animals to strive by digging water in the dry season or create pathways for smaller species while they eat in the vegetation.
According to the WWF, we have lost more than half of the Sumatran tiger’s population in less than 50 years. And now illegal land clearing and poaching have made them more vulnerable to extinction. It’s also true for Sumatran elephants and Bornean Orangutans, which lost half of their population due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
But what does it have to do with us, humans? Well, healthy ecosystems allow us to thrive as they provide food and resources that we need to make a living. If a species became extinct, it would affect the lives of other species, including humans. Every disappearance would disrupt the balance of nature. Imagine a falling row of dominoes, and you’re in the line. You don’t want it to happen, do you?
So much for the grim reality. Now, what can we do about it?
We can start by living a greener lifestyle to reduce our environmental impact. Think about the environment every time we go on with our daily lives. Reduce, reuse, and recycle to cut down pollution. You may think this is cliche, but it is true! The way you live affects the environment and every living thing within it.
Also, you can learn more about the animals and tell your friends and family about how you can protect wildlife. Then, maybe later, you can take a step further by volunteering or donating for environmental organizations. Saving animals is something that no one can do on their own. We have to do it together, and you can start now!
Stay tuned to our social media and check our website to get more information about the wildlife in the conservation area and the efforts to conserve them.
