Dayak Indigenous Ethnographer Dr Setia Budhi

Dr Setia Budhi is a senior lecturer in Anthropology and Sociology at Universitas Lambung Mangkurat. He is an indigenous advocate, forest conservationist and a research specialist in Dayak ethnography in South, Central and East Kalimantan. He completed his PhD in 2010 at UKM Malaysia under the supervision of Prof. Awang Hasmadi Awang Moeis and Prof. Aishah Bt Mohamed. He now serves as Head of the Sociology Department and a member of the Indonesian Anthropology Association of South Kalimantan-Indonesia.

His research relates to the Dayak people and impact of socio-cultural changes, exploitation of natural resources and modernisation on their lives. In particular, he investigates how the depletion of the forest affects the availability of food sources for Indigenous Dayak peoples.

Greenwashing Tactic #5: Irrelevance and Deflection

Learn how lobbyists use irrelevant information and deflection to shift the conversation away from their environmental harms, e.g. “sustainable” palm oil.

Africa’s rainforests are different. Why it matters that they’re protected

Around 2 million km² of #Africa is covered by tropical #rainforests. They are second only in extent to those in #Amazonia, which cover around 6 million km². Rainforests are home to vast numbers of species of #primates #birds #insects and more. For example, the world’s tropical rainforests are estimated to be home to at least 40,000 tree species, with up to 6,000 in African forests. Protect all rainforests before it’s too late, every time you shop use your wallet as a weapon and be #Vegan #BoycottPalmOil #Boyott4Wildlife

Black Bearded Saki Chiropotes satanas

Beneath the towering canopy of the Amazon’s north-eastern forests, the black bearded saki moves with quiet purpose, their distinctive shaggy beard and robust body a testament to their resilience in a world under siege. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant calls of unseen creatures, but the forest is changing—#roads, #dams, and #agriculture are carving scars across the landscape, fragmenting the saki’s ancestral home. The black bearded saki’s survival is threatened by relentless deforestation and hunting, their fate bound to the fate of the forest—fight for their survival every time you shop #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

Why join the #Boycott4Wildlife?

According to a 2021 survey by Nestle of 1001 people, 17% of millennial shoppers (25-45 years old) completely avoid palm oil in the supermarket. 25% said that they actively check to see if products contain palmoil. As a generation, we now have the opportunity to push our local communities and our children away from harmfulContinue reading “Why join the #Boycott4Wildlife?”

Wildlife Vet Dr Richard K Ssuna

Dr Richard K. Ssuna has been caring for (wild and domesticated) animals as a Veterinarian for over 20 years. In the past he’s worked for the Uganda Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (USPCA), the Jane Goodall Institute and Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Wildlife Conservation Trust on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. Dr Ssuna also established the Lilongwe Society and Protection of Animals (LSPCA) and also worked as the technical advisor for the Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge in Liberia. He is currently the Founder of All Creatures Animal Welfare Trust in Malawi, Lesotho and Uganda.

In a real sense, the public has been hoodwinked into believing that a palm oil certification equates to a more sustainable product and as result, companies fetch even more cash for it. Read more about by Dr Ssuna does advocates for the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife

Temminck’s Pangolin Smutsia temminckii

The Temminck’s pangolin Smutsia temminckii is remarkable mammal. They are the second largest of the pangolin species and are reported to weigh between 12.5kg and 21 kilograms. They’re famous for their armour-like keratinous scales and their unique ability to curl into a protective ball when threatened. These elusive creatures are found in the savannahs and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa and are essential to their ecosystem, controlling insect populations. The word pangolin comes from the Malay word “pengguling” meaning something that rolls up. Owing to their secretive nature and low densities, little is known about the pangolin. The species is killed primarily for Chinese medicine, even though their keratin scales have no medicinal value. All pangolins face a grave threat from trafficking for their meat and scales. Tragically, they are one of the most illegally traded mammals in the world.

Despite their ecological and cultural importance, Temminck’s pangolins are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade. Habitat loss from palm oil, cocoa and coffee agricultural expansion and mining further compounds their decline. Protect these unique creatures by boycotting palm oil and supporting strong anti-trafficking initiatives. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Demand for meat is driving deforestation in Brazil – changing the soy industry could stop it

For many people, soy as a commodity has a pretty innocuous reputation thanks to its association with vegan food and meat alternatives. However don’t be fooled – crops of this pale legume are behind much of Brazil’s epidemic of deforestation. Much more #soy is fed to farm animals that people eat than is used in vegan food. Since 2000, #Brazil has doubled its total area of soy plantation to 36 million hectares and become the world’s largest producer. This expansion has erased vast swathes of forest and other habitats in some of the country’s most biodiverse regions. Soy, along with palm oil and meat deforestation are the biggest land-hungry commodities in South America and threaten the world’s largest rainforest biosphere. Help fight against this ecocide every time you shop, be #vegan #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Northern Tiger Cat (Oncilla) Leopardus tigrinus

The northern tiger cat, also known as the oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), is a captivating small wild cat native to Central and South America. Distinguished by their striking, leopard-like coat marked with dark rosettes and a sleek, agile body, this elusive feline is a master of stealth and survival in the dense forests and grasslands they inhabit.

The northern tiger cat is a tiny predator, weighing only 1.5–3 kg, yet they play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance as a keystone predator. These solitary creatures, though mostly ground-dwelling, are adept climbers. They communicate through purring as kittens and have a unique “gurgle” as adults. Their habitats range from the semi-arid Caatinga to the Andean cloud forests. Tragically, this species is classified as Vulnerable, with populations declining due to habitat destruction for palm oil, soy, meat and mining, poaching, and habitat fragmentation. Indigenous-led conservation efforts are vital to protect their remaining habitats. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Black-Throated monitor Varanus albigularis microstictus

The Black-Throated Monitor is a mighty and large lizard reaching over 2 metres long. They are threatened by agriculture deforestation and #hunting for their leather and meat in Tanzania, Africa. Help them every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife

A global juggling act: feeding the world, saving species

Our planet is on the precipice of a sixth mass extinction event. But unlike the five previous mass extinctions, this one is man-made: a global biodiversity crisis in which species are disappearing three to 12 times faster than the “normal” rate of extinction. A massive driver of this extinction is how humans eat. Be #Vegan for the animals #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus

Deep in the heart of the #Amazon rainforest, a flash of vibrant colour moves between the towering canopy trees. The Channel-billed #Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus is a striking bird endemic to #Colombia, #Venezuela, #Ecuador, #Peru, Brazil and #Bolivia with a massive, curved bill and a raucous voice that echoes through the jungle. With their large, expressive eyes and vivid markings, these toucans are more than just symbols of tropical biodiversity—they are crucial players in the rainforest ecosystem, dispersing seeds that sustain the lush vegetation.

But their world is shrinking. The relentless destruction of the Amazon for cattle ranching, soy production, #palmoil and #goldmining is closing in on them. Habitat loss, hunting, and the wildlife trade are pushing them towards localised declines. In some parts of their range, they are disappearing entirely. Use your wallet as a weapon—fight for their survival. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Primatologist Cleve Hicks on Chimpanzee cultures, Palm Oil deforestation

Dr Hicks speaks with Palm Oil Detectives about his chimpanzee research, veganism, deforestation, palm oil and what consumers can do to help the endangered animals of Africa.

What, Why and Where of Black Leopards

Did you know that Black #leopards only differ from other leopards by the colour of their coat, a genetic variation that’s #recessive also known as melanism? One of their threats is #palmoil #deforestation. Help their survival be #vegan #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket

Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata

Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata IUCN Status: Near Threatened Location: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo), China (Yunnan, Guangxi, Tibet), Brunei The marbled cat is a small #wildcat that can be found in the eastern part of the Himalayas and southern Asia. They are related to the Asian GoldenContinue reading “Marbled Cat Pardofelis marmorata”

One-fifth of reptiles heading towards extinction

Almost one-fifth of the world’s reptiles are currently threatened with extinction.A recent study assessed 1500 species for extinction risks. From the 19% found to be in danger, 12% were classified as Critically Endangered, 41% as Endangered and 47% Vulnerable. Three of the species listed as being Critically Endangered are believed to be possibly extinct. ThisContinue reading “One-fifth of reptiles heading towards extinction”

Wildlife Photographer Craig Jones

One of Britain’s finest wildlife photographers, Craig Jones uses his own words to bear witness to the awesome love and intelligence of orangutans, and also shares stories of the immense suffering of orangutans and other species within RSPO member palm oil plantations. Craig is an absolute inspiration to photographers, animal lovers and conservationists. It is an honour to showcase his work and stories on Palm Oil Detectives.

Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey Lagothrix flavicauda

Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkeys are social and active during daylight hours, living in groups with a dominant male, mature males and females, and young monkeys. They communicate through vocalizations like a loud, barking call. Endemic to the Peruvian Andes, they thrive in montane rainforests and cloud forests. They face an existential threat from habitat loss due to palm oil, soy and meat deforestation. Let’s unite to protect these precious creatures by boycotting palm oil, adopting a vegan lifestyle, and raising awareness for them. Together, we can protect the Peruvian Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkeys and their habitat. 🌳🐒💚 #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Western Lowland Gorilla Gorilla gorilla

Mighty, intelligent and gentle Western Lowland Gorillas are well-loved apes, they are #critically endangered by #deforestation and habitat loss for #palmoil, cocoa and mining along with disease and illegal poaching in #Congo #Nigeria #Cameroon Help them to survive every time you shop! Join the #Boycott4Wildlife

Forgotten Animals of Secretly Destroyed Forests

Don’t let the forests go silent! 1000’s of forgotten animals are nearing extinction due to palm oil deforestation. Take action and boycott palm oil today!

Golden Monkey Cercopithecus mitis kandti

In the mist-laden bamboo forests of the Virunga massif, the golden monkey Cercopithecus mitis kandti darts through dappled sunlight and the tree canopy. This endangered primate is found only in the high-altitude forests of the Albertine Rift, nestled deeply in volcanic mountains. They are found in four national parks: Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west #Rwanda; and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga, in the eastern Democratic Republic of #Congo. Like many other animals in the region they are protected and yet human threats including #mining #hunting and #agriculture continue to come dangerously close. Help these sweet-faced and severely threatened #primates every time you shop #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Eyewitness by Craig Jones: A mother and baby orangutan are rescued from an RSPO palm oil plantation in Sumatra

Bio: Craig Jones One of Britain’s finest wildlife photographers, Craig Jones is also one of the most humble and down-to-earth guys you will ever meet. His photography and stories capture the lives of endangered rainforest animals that we hold so dearly to our hearts: Sumatran orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Sumatran elephants, Siamangs and more. His workContinue reading “Eyewitness by Craig Jones: A mother and baby orangutan are rescued from an RSPO palm oil plantation in Sumatra”

Dusky Langur Trachypithecus obscurus

The dusky langur, also known as the spectacled langur or dusky leaf monkey, is one of Southeast Asia’s most charismatic primates. Living in #Thailand, #Myanmar and #Malaysia they have vivid white eye patches that resemble spectacles and a fluffy dark-grey coat, they cut an unmistakable figure against the rustling emerald canopy of the rainforest. These intelligent and agile #monkeys play a crucial role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds, keeping forests healthy and thriving. Yet, deforestation for agriculture—particularly #palmoil, rubber, and durian plantations—alongside hunting and illegal #wildlifetrade, is pushing them closer to extinction. Without urgent intervention, the forests they call home will be razed, and their populations will continue to plummet. Use your voice to protect them—fight for their survival and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop

Baird’s Tapir Tapirus bairdii

Baird’s tapirs may look like they are relatives of elephants, but they’re actually closer kin to horses, donkeys, zebras, and rhinoceroses. Also known as the Central American tapir, they are the largest land mammals in Central America and a living relic of an ancient lineage.

Their robust, stocky bodies and distinctive trunk-like snout make them unique among mammals. However, they are now Endangered, with fewer than 5,000 individuals left in the wild.

Tragically, palm oil, soy and meat deforestation, hunting, and human encroachment are driving this species toward extinction. Protecting their habitats is critical to ensuring their survival. Use your wallet as a weapon—boycott palm oil and support conservation initiatives. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Climate Explained: what would happen if we cut down the Amazon rainforest?

What would happen if we cut down the entire Amazon rainforest? Could it be replaced by an equal amount of reforestation elsewhere? Removing the entire Amazon rainforest would have myriad consequences, with the most obvious ones possibly not the worst. Most people will first think of the carbon currently stored in the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest. But the consequences would be far-reaching for the climate as well as biodiversity and ecosystems — and, ultimately, people. Fight for animals, indigenous peoples and the planet itself #BoycottPalmOil #BoycottGold and #Boycott4Wildlife

Varied White-fronted Capuchin Cebus versicolor

The Varied White-Fronted Capuchin Cebus versicolor is an intelligent, tenacious and resourceful small primate endemic to the forests of Colombia. With their pale white faces, reddish-gold coats, they are both striking in appearance and crucial to their ecosystems. These capuchins play an essential role in seed dispersal, ensuring the health and regeneration of their forest homes.

Tragically, their populations are declining due to deforestation, hunting, and the illegal wildlife trade. Protecting these forests is critical to their survival. Support indigenous-led conservation, adopt a vegan lifestyle and #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife to take meaningful action for these incredible primates.

Crested Capuchin Sapajus robustus

Crested Capuchins are one of Brazil’s most endangered primates. A few thousand remain, facing extinction due to palm oil, mining, soy. Take action for them!

Ecosystems could collapse in less than 50 years

We know that ecosystems under stress can reach a point where they rapidly collapse into something very different. Research published in the journal Nature Communications, shows that the size of the ecosystem is important. Once a “tipping point” is triggered, large ecosystems could collapse much faster than we had thought possible. It’s a finding that has worrying implications for the functioning of our planet. Fight back and resist for nature when you shop be #vegan and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

What’s my name? How wild parrots identify their young

Ground-breaking research has found that wild parrots teach their chicks unique sound signatures so that they can identify their parents. We are only just scratching the surface of knowledge about these immensely intelligent non-human beings, protect them! Be #Vegan and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

We don’t know how many mountain gorillas live in the wild. Here’s why

How important are the mountain #gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to global populations? Their importance to the health of the forest is immeasurable and irreplacable! Mountain gorillas are one of the two subspecies of eastern gorillas. They are divided into just two populations: one in the Virunga Massif that spans the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and one population that lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and the adjacent Sarambwe Nature Reserve in DRC. Help them to survive, be #vegan and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife