1. Habitat Loss and Degradation: The primary driver of orangutan decline is the destruction of their rainforest home. This occurs due to:
* Deforestation: Large-scale clearing of forests for palm oil plantations, logging, and agriculture (like rubber and paper pulp) directly destroys orangutan habitat.
* Forest Degradation: Even when forests aren't entirely cleared, selective logging and other activities disrupt the forest ecosystem, making it harder for orangutans to find food and shelter.
2. Hunting and Poaching: While the trade in orangutans as pets has decreased, they are still hunted for bushmeat and for their body parts, used in some traditional medicines. This illegal poaching further decimates their populations.
3. Climate Change: Climate change is impacting rainforest ecosystems, causing changes in rainfall patterns and increased forest fires. This negatively affects the availability of food and resources for orangutans, further contributing to their decline.