Guest Author - Wendy Amato

New genetic evidence shows that the dramatic collapse of world orangutan populations has occurred during the past 200 years, coinciding with the beginning of large-scale human destruction of orangutan habitat, particularly in Malaysia. By collecting the orangutans' hair and droppings, researchers extracted DNA to create genetic profiles, which were then used to study genetic diversity. The results indicate the orangutan population in Malaysia is in grave danger of inbreeding and that some orangutans may need to be moved around.

In recent years, conservationists have linked the orangutans' decline to forest clearance and the appearance of massive palm oil plantations, which produce the base for products such as lipstick and soap. Malaysian officials claim that it is unfair for non-palm-oil producing nations to accuse the country of clearing protected areas to create palm oil farms. Malaysian officials accuse environmental groups of conducting “smear campaigns” about logging in the nation’s tropical rainforest.

One official also lashed out at media coverage, saying that orangutan "propaganda" was being spread by "armchair journalists" who had never visited the country. Well, this writer has traveled Malaysia and noted the miles of massive palm farms where rainforest once stood. My husband and I climbed a mountain in eastern Malaysia, expecting to look out over thousands of acres of jungle. Instead, we only saw palm farms in every direction into the horizon. Wild animal populations in Malaysia have largely been driven into national parks, surrounded by developed areas. While these national parks are beautiful, the wild habitat for animals (especially large ones such as tigers and apes) is a fraction of what it once was. Malaysia has some of the most magnificent animals on earth, but like many countries, struggles with the dilemma of conservation or economic growth. I deeply wish that Malaysian officials would overcome their defensiveness and ask experts for help on saving their wildlife.