SOME of the people trying to champion environmental issues seem unable to grasp the true meaning of protection, conservation, restoration and rehabilitation, particularly with regard to the orang utan ("Orang utan nursery draws flak" -- NST, June 1).
These ill-informed people should refer to Article 9 of the Convention on Biological Biodiversity (CBD) dealing with the ex-situ conservation that signatory nations, including Malaysia, should as far as possible implement in respect of their endangered species.
The orang utan (Pongo pygmaeus) is our iconic species and could be considered as being at the top of the global list of endangered species. They are facing an uncertain future, and without our help this great ape will soon be extinct.
Unfortunately, of the four great apes, the orang utan is the least studied species (compared with the chimpanzee, the bonobo and the gorilla). By having ex-situ conservation at Tasik Merah, Malaysia is meeting its obligations under the CBD.
Obviously, safeguarding the orang utan in its natural habitat is the best option. However, if their habitats are aggressively intruded, what are their chances of survival? They cannot depend on degraded and fragmented forests, not to mention logged forests.
As frugivores, they forage mainly on wild fruits. Their habitats need to include various species of fruit trees, including fig trees. Due to habitat destruction, their populations are dwindling at an alarming rate.
Education and research are the main issues that can guarantee the future of our orang utans. Schoolchildren and university students who have visited the orang utan island near Bukit Merah have become more knowledgeable about this endangered species. It has also enlightened other visitors, including foreign tourists.
Therefore, I urge those people who have a negative perception of the orang utan island and what is being done there to pay a visit to this sanctuary to learn about the true nature of the conservation effort.
I sympathise with the orang utan centre's chief veterinarian, Dr D. Sabapathy when he asks, "People say the species is close to extinction but what are they doing about it?". I have heard enough from some quarters who are unnecessarily trying to politicise this environmental issue.
MASHHOR MANSOR,Professor School of Biological Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia
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