NI opportunity to save Borneo's forests

Two thirds of Borneo's forests could be destroyed by 2020, threatening the future survival of orang-utans and other species, according to a new WWF report.

The report 'Treasure Island At Risk' shows that areas of forest, almost the size of Northern Ireland, are being lost every year because of rampant logging, the conversion of forests to plantations and forest fires.

This year's WWF Northern Ireland 'Walk for Wildlife', taking place on 9 October is dedicated to raising funds for orang-utans and their disappearing habitats, the organisation has confirmed.

The loss of Borneo's forests is a disaster for both species and people," Jim Kitchen, Head of WWF Northern Ireland said. "The forests are being cut down, burned and converted to plantations to provide short term financial benefits for a minority of people. Without the forests, water supplies will be disrupted and local people's livelihoods threatened."

The destruction of the orang-utans' homes, and those of the pygmy elephant mean populations will live in small isolated islands of forests, unable to meet and breed with other groups, causing serious health problems from interbreeding, which will jeopardise the viability of future populations.

(MB/SP)