We’ve all heard how rainforest destruction is threatening orangutans and tigers, but the Bornean sun bear, which currently lives in Indonesia, is equally at risk.
Scientists fear the worst for this smallest member of the bear family, and estimate that their population has declined over 30% in the last three decades, making them the rarest species of bear on the planet.
photo by Flickr user ucumari
These bears already suffer from the effects of illegal trade and poaching. However, it is the destruction of the Paradise Rainforests they call home that is putting them at risk of joining others on the endangered species list.
One company in particular, Sinar Mas, is doing more than its fair share of habitat destruction. This giant conglomerate is the largest palm oil company in the region, a notorious forest destroyer, and the major supplier of palm oil for none other than yours truly.
While companies like Burger King and Nestle have cut their ties with Sinar Mas, Pizza Hut continues to buy their palm oil, putting the sun bear's survival in jeopardy. They need to end their relationship with these irresponsible forest destroyers.
As sun bears lose their habitat, they begin to encroach on plantations in search of food where they are in turn persecuted by local communities. They are routinely killed because they feed on these palm oil plantations, destroying crops.
In the past ten years, Malaysia and Indonesia have been home to the largest conversion of rainforests to palm oil plantations in history. Indonesia has already lost 65% of its ancient forests.
Pizza Hut and other fast food chains have other options, and don’t have to purchase a product that destroys forests, puts animals in danger, and contributes to global warming.
Act now! Don’t let this rare bear be the next victim of reckless deforestation. Tell Pizza Hut to end its relationship with Sinar Mas, and to give this precious animal a fighting chance.
Follow Greenpeace on twitter @greenpeaceusa, and me @alvarez_alex
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