WWF-Malaysia calls for greater awareness of orangutan-forest link

KOTA KINABALU: Healthy, connected forests are vital to the long-term survival of orangutans in Sabah, says WWF-Malaysia's Donna Simon.

"Many people know orangutans as an iconic species, but fewer realise how closely their future is tied to the health of our forests.

"Building greater awareness helps people understand that orangutan conservation is not only about protecting a single species. It is also about maintaining forests that support biodiversity, store carbon, regulate water systems and provide benefits that communities depend on," said Donna, who has been involved in orangutan conservation since 2011.

She said orangutans in Sabah were found not only in protected areas but also in production forests and landscapes shared with human activities.

However, habitat fragmentation could isolate wildlife populations by dividing forests into smaller, disconnected patches.

"The long-term survival of orangutans depends on healthy, connected forests that allow populations to move safely between habitats, access food resources and find mates," she said.

Wildlife corridors could help reconnect larger forest blocks, allowing wildlife to move between habitats and maintain genetic diversity.

In Sabah, WWF-Malaysia's priority conservation landscapes include Tabin and Tawau-Kunak, where efforts are focused on identifying opportunities to strengthen ecological connectivity.

The benefits extend beyond orangutans, she said, adding that protected areas alone were insufficient.

"We also need connected forests, sustainable land management and strong partnerships across the landscape."

She said protecting and restoring forest patches, riparian reserves and wildlife corridors required collective action involving governments, local communities, researchers, land managers, plantation companies, forestry operators and conservation organisations.