Oil palm plantations have eradicated large areas of forest area, leading to the extinction of many rainforest-dwelling species. Besides the Sumatran rhinoceros, the orangutan has lost about 80% of its habitat and population, and the tiger has declined to about 500 individuals. More than 100 other species living in the rainforest are in danger of extinction.
To protect rainforests and ecosystems and halt global warming, food, cosmetics, and fuel companies must reduce their use of palm oil. And consumers must either not buy products made with palm oil or buy only palm oil products that have been certified through deforestation-free production processes.