"Genetic Evidence that Humans Have Pushed Orang-utans to the Brink of Extinction"

Source article - Goossens B, Chikhi L, Ancrenaz M, Lackman-Ancrenaz I, Andau P, et al., 2006. Genetic Signature of Anthropogenic Population Collapse in Orang-utans. PLoS Biol, 4(2): e25.

Excerpt of abstract - ... Using the largest-ever genetic sample from wild orang-utan populations, we show strong evidence for a recent demographic collapse in North Eastern Borneo and demonstrate that this signature is independent of the mutation and demographic models used.

This is the first demonstration that genetic data can detect and quantify the effect of recent, human-induced deforestation and habitat fragmentation on an endangered

species. Because current demographic collapses are usually confounded by ancient events, this suggests a much more dramatic decline than demographic data alone and emphasises the need for major conservation efforts.

Synopsis article - Gross L., 2006. Genetic Evidence that Humans Have Pushed Orang-utans to the Brink of Extinction. PLoS Biol 4(2): e57.