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The Bornean orangutan is a primate species that, just like the rest of the orangutan species, is in danger of extinction. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies this species as critically endangered, mainly due to two factors: systematic destruction of its natural habitat -the Bornean forests- and hunting.
It is estimated that the population of Bornean orangutans declined by over 60% between 1950 and 2010, and according to current population trends, it is expected to fall further by 22% between 2010 and 2025. Given that Orangutans have a life expectancy of 25 years, this decline will happen over a period of only three generations.
Bornean orangutans reproduce very slowly, with one offspring born roughly every 6 to 8 years, rendering this species especially susceptible to hunting pressure. Females reach maturity at 10 to 15 years of age and give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of 254 days.
Illegal hunting of orangutans is one of the main causes of their decline. Recent studies estimate that several thousand orangutans are killed every year for meat or other purposes. It is critical to stop all hunting of these animals, habitat protection alone will not ensure the survival of Bornean orangutans.
Loro Parque Fundación is helping local partners in recovery centres to ensure the survival of the Bornean orangutan.
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