The World Land Trust (WLT) and LEAP Conservancy (an NGO based in Borneo) are combining forces in an urgent bid to save critically endangered Orang-utans in Borneo. The Orang-utan is one of the most threatened animals in the world, and it is endangered mainly because its habitat is being destroyed catastrophically with the ever-increasing global demand for palm oil.

WLT is a UK charity (established in 1989) which works internationally to help create nature reserves, by funding the purchase of privately owned land that has high conservation value. In this case, the ownership and management of the reserve will be vested in LEAP which will ensure the commitment of the local people who will protect the Orang-utans, and their forests, in perpetuity, supported by legal protection.

Because of the demand for palm oil the price of land in Borneo is increasing almost daily, but WLT has a window of opportunity to fund the purchase of a vital piece of land for Orang-utans which connects two already protected government-owned reserves. This protected corridor will create a viable reserve for Orang-utans to live in. If we fail to secure it, and the forest is cleared, the Orang-utan population will be split into two smaller populations, and a further decline in their numbers would be inevitable.

WLT needs to raise £343,364 over the next six months. This will give a future to the estimated 604 Orang-utans currently depending on these forests; this works out at a mere £568 per individual. And in addition to Orang-utans, the reserve will protect many other rare and threatened species, including the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, the Proboscis Monkey and several species of hornbill together with all the other biodiversity in the forest.

The WLT's patron, Sir David Attenborough has stated, 'Every bit of the rainforest that is knocked down is less space for Orang-utans. They have been reduced very seriously in the past decade, and we must do all we can to reverse this devastation. I fully support World Land Trust in its bid to save this important land!'