LOUISE Beard has witnessed the plight of endangered orangutans first hand and now she is echoing wildlife campaigners' fears about the threat of extinction.

The 30-year-old veterinary nurse of Kimbolton Close, Freshbrook, spent three months in Borneo last year working with the primates.

Reports from the World Wildlife Foundation warned yesterday that it is likely orangutans will become extinct in the wild in 20 years if the decline continues.

"The problem lies with deforestation," said Louise.

"The orangutans are simply running out of places to live. Their living space is becoming smaller and smaller."

There are an estimated 13,000 orangutans remaining in Sabah, northern Borneo, from a population of more than 145,000 100 years ago.

Almost 80 per cent of all forests in Malaysia have now been logged commercially.

Louise said: "The farmers out there still need to make their money and there is a high demand for palm oil from the trees.

"A lot of the problems come down to education and changing people's attitudes. It can't go on like this.

"People are aware of the problem but it's a vicious circle."

Louise explained that once the forests are logged, even if the trees are later replanted, the orang utans' quality of life has already suffered.

Hunting and poaching for bush meat and the pet trade also threaten the animals.

Louise's trip last year was organised by Sepilok Orangutan Appeal UK which has launched a nationwide campaign. While she was in Borneo she undertook a variety of tasks, promoting the work of the centre as well as physically working with the animals.

"I've just fallen in love with the little guys," she said. "They're such great creatures."

The orangutan is one of our closest cousins, sharing 96 per cent of human genes.

Louise, who works at Shaw Veterinary Centre, Ramleaze Drive, said that she would love to spend more time out in Borneo as a volunteer.

In November last year she took a two-week holiday to Borneo, revisiting the centre to catch up with the staff and the animals.

For information on how to help or become involved, email info@orangutanappeal.org or visit www.orangutan-appeal.co.uk

Emma-Kate Lidbury