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A Guardian of the Forest and a Vital Ally in Climate Action
Hidden within the deep peat swamp forests of Central Kalimantan, the Katingan Mentaya Project (KMP) safeguards one of the world’s most important populations of Bornean orangutans. An estimated 5% of all remaining individuals of this critically endangered species live within the project area — a powerful reminder of the global significance of these forests and the urgent need to protect them.But orangutans are far more than just charismatic inhabitants of the canopy. Their presence is a living force that shapes, sustains, and helps regenerates the forest itself.
Nature’s Seed Dispersers
Orangutans spend much of their lives moving between fruiting trees, feeding on more than 200 plant species. As they travel, they disperse seeds across wide distances, often in places where germination has the highest chance of success. This simple but essential behaviour turns orangutans into architects of the forest’s future, ensuring that new saplings can take root where they are most needed.
Engineers of Forest Regeneration
Because they disperse seeds from a diverse range of trees, orangutans help maintain the rich structure and biodiversity of the ecosystem. Their role supports natural regeneration after storms, droughts, or human disturbance. A forest with orangutans is more resilient — better able to recover, adapt, and thrive.
A Keystone Species
In ecology, a keystone species is one whose impact on an ecosystem is disproportionately large relative to its abundance. The Bornean orangutan fits this definition perfectly. Remove them, and the entire system begins to unravel. Without orangutans, fewer seeds are dispersed leading to fewer trees and thus a weaker forest and ecosystem.
In peat swamp forests—one of the largest natural carbon stores on Earth—this chain reaction has profound implications for global climate stability.
In peat swamp forests—one of the largest natural carbon stores on Earth—this chain reaction has profound implications for global climate stability.
Protecting Orangutans Protects the Planet
By safeguarding orangutans and the forests they call home, the Katingan Mentaya Project is also protecting a crucial climate ally. Healthy, biodiverse forests store vast amounts of carbon, regulate water cycles, and provide habitat for countless species. Orangutans are an irreplaceable part of this balance.
When we protect them, we’re not just saving a species — we’re strengthening the lungs of the planet.
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