Climate change: 'Future proofing' forests to protect orangutans
A study has identified key tree species that are resilient to climate change and support critically endangered apes.Planting them could help future proof rainforests, which are a key habitat for orangutans, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature - IUCN.Researchers surveyed 250 plants in Indonesia's Kutai National Park.Over 1,000 orangutans are thought to inhabit the park, as well as other rare animals such as the Malayan sun bear."Selecting which species to plant is a significant contribution to restoring the health of this ecosystem," said study co-author Douglas Sheil."Of course, the reasons why forest cover was lost in the first place must also be addressed for reforestation efforts to succeed." ...
