Jakarta, Indonesia Orangutans are now endangered. Their status is no different from dominoes that are easily toppled. There are two types of orangutans living in Indonesia: the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii). According to the IUCN Red List, the latter species has been classified as critically endangered. The threats to orangutan conservation are diverse. They range from land conversion to palm oil plantations, forest fires, poaching and illegal logging to climate change.

On average, 2 orangutans per day are killed for meat, or destroyed because they are considered pests. Even though this primate, which resembles humans 97% of its DNA, is an animal that does not attack and can coexist with humans.

Currently, there are only 7500 Sumatran orangutans and 57,000 Bornean orangutans left in their natural habitat. Orangutan conservation is becoming increasingly urgent and is one of WWF-Indonesia's priorities. WWF has been working to conduct habitat research, including orangutan habits and food. In addition, WWF also conducts population counts, climate change mitigation, environmental education, partners with the government and local communities around orangutan habitats, and takes the necessary preventive actions to prevent the extinction of this endemic Indonesian animal.

However, WWF's efforts require the support of all parties, including the wider community. Therefore, The World Wide Fund for Nature Indonesia (WWF-Indonesia) launched the Sahabat Orangutan donation program that allows individuals from all walks of life to support WWF's orangutan conservation efforts in a number of its working areas.

"Through the Sahabat Orangutan Program, WWF-Indonesia opens the door for all individuals who want to support orangutan conservation efforts indirectly by making regular donations. Regular financial support from the people of Indonesia is needed to ensure the continuity of orangutan habitat conservation programs that have been running and will continue to run," said Linda Sukandar, Fundraising Manager of WWF-Indonesia.

Donations can be made via VISA/MASTER/AMEX credit card auto debit method, or Mandiri/BCA savings account auto debit, or transfer to BCA account number in the name of WWF-Indonesia Foundation.

Monthly donations starting from Rp100,000 will greatly assist our efforts in planning long-term sustainable conservation programs. Another form of support in addition to monthly donations is by donating starting from Rp750,000,- for a one-time donation.

By becoming a Sahabat Orangutan, donors can get the latest information about orangutan habitats and their development, especially those in WWF-Indonesia's working areas, including: Lake Sentarum National Park, West Kalimantan and Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan.

Visit www.wwf.or.id/sahabatorangutan and lend your support for a better future for the planet.

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Note to Editor:

About WWF
WWF is an independent conservation organization supported by more than 5 million supporters worldwide and has a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of nature and build a future where humans can live in harmony with nature through efforts to conserve biodiversity, encourage the sustainable use of renewable natural resources and support the reduction of pollution and overconsumption. WWF itself has been present in Indonesia since 1962, at that time to support the conservation of Javan rhinos. This year, WWF-Indonesia will commemorate 50 years of work in the field of conservation for a livable earth. Visit www.wwf.or.id for the latest news and information.

Full information contact:

Linda Sukandar, Fundraising Manager, WWF-Indonesia, Email: Lsukandar@wwf.or.id