Rare Bornean Orangutan Population Discovered In Malaysia, Government of Sarawak To Provide Protection

A team of conservations recently found a population of up to 200 rare Bornean orangutans in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.

And the Wildlife Conservation Society, WCS, released a press statement Wednesday commending the Government on their vow to protect the most severely threatened orangutan sub-species known as Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus.

"It is indeed wonderful to hear the Government's initiative towards protecting these orangutan and their habitat especially when preliminary scientific data indicates the existence of a globally significant population," said Melvin Gumal, director of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The worldwide population of the rare orangutan species is only estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000, according to the WCS press release that also says 2,000 of those animals live in Sarawak in Batang Ai National Park and Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary.

And while communities in the area had previously been aware of the existence of the rare population, it was not until now that researchers conducted major research in the region of Ulu Sungai Menyang-the location where the threatened species was found.

There were a total of 995 nests that were discovered in the area, signifying that the region had been used recently by the orangutans.

The Sarawak Government said that in their vow to protect the population, they plan to work in cooperation with local communities and other stakeholders to help improve conservation efforts.

"The four organizations involved in the survey will conduct a follow-up study in the area to formulate strategic actions involving all stakeholders including the local communities," The WCS said in a statement.

(SOURCE)