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Several decades ago orang-utans totalled hundreds of thousands and flourished in their natural habitats of southeast Asia and China. Today numbers of these beautiful creatures total less than 50,000 pushing them perilously close to extinction, and human beings are directly responsible.

Orang-utans spend most of their time in trees avoiding natural predators such as leopards, crocodiles and tigers. Unfortunately, the trees have become victims of the logging trade * vast regions of Asia and China have been subjected to deforestation - resulting in a catastrophic loss of habitat and huge competition for space.

Man is also responsible for the deaths of many mothers, allowing their babies to be stolen and later sold as pets. Orang-utans are born to be wild and cannot live a happy and fulfilling live in the captivity of inexperienced owners. Orang-utans live in close-knit family communities. Imagine having your child stolen from you and sold to someone as a pet. It doesn't bear thinking.

Orang-utans are extremely intelligent creatures; they have been observed utilising tools in their everyday lives. Their character is receptive to remarkable acts of kindness. It is not uncommon for adults to come across orphanages and play with the young apes, helping them learn the skills needed in adulthood.

Today, orang-utans live exclusively in Borneo and Sumatra. The *man of the forest* is now at last chance saloon and time is precious. The real tragedy is Borneo harbours no natural predators. Humans with dogs are their only hunters in this region.

We can no longer remain passive. Time is running out for many creatures on our planet. Scientists estimate by the year 2050, one in every three species alive today will be extinct. This is a dreadful statistic and needs addressing now. With a little thought, alternative working strategies can be implemented to help man and nature live together more harmoniously.