Indonesian land covers 1.3% of the planet's surface. It is home to 12% of mammals, 16% of reptiles and amphibians, 17% of birds, 10% of flowering plants, and 25% of the world's fish species. However, not all of these species can live safely and comfortably in our country.

In fact, many of Indonesia's native animals are now threatened with extinction. Take the Sumatran tiger, for example. According to experts, the Sumatran Tiger population in 1978 was recorded at 1,000 individuals. But now there are less than 400 individuals. The cause of the tiger population decline is due to the conversion of forests into agricultural land, plantations and settlements, as well as illegal hunting.

The fate of another forest dweller, the orangutan, is equally sad. A century ago, more than 230,000 Bornean orangutans lived in the wilds of Borneo. Today, the number of Bornean orangutans is estimated to be just 104,700 individuals. Meanwhile, its sibling, the Sumatran Orangutan, is only around 7,500 individuals. Of all the species of red-furred great apes living in Indonesia, the Tapanuli Orangutan is the saddest. According to data, the number of Tapanuli orangutans remaining is no more than 800 individuals.

Talking about endangered animals, we cannot miss the elephant. In 2012, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) raised the status of the Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) from endangered to critically endangered. The Sumatran elephant population is currently estimated to be 2,400-2,800 individuals.

Causes of elephant mortality include habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. According to records, more than two-thirds of natural lowland forests have been destroyed in the last 25 years. As a result, elephants often "come into contact" with human settlements, raiding crops, destroying homes and causing casualties, both human and elephant.

Meanwhile, in eastern Indonesia, we also have a bird from heaven that has a beautiful feather color. It's called the great yellow bird of paradise. This Papuan species is also becoming increasingly rare. The cause is again due to illegal hunting and habitat destruction. However, the people of Papua have begun to realize the importance of preserving this natural treasure with efforts to conserve the bird of paradise.

Virtual Race: Healthy and impactful!

WWF-Indonesia and the running enthusiasts at iLuvRun have come up with an idea to combine exercise and charity by organizing a virtual race. A virtual race is just like any other race. You can jog in your neighborhood, go on a weekend hike, or bike around town, and even run on a treadmill with the goal of raising funds for a good cause.

There are three virtual running and cycling races still open to support WWF to save endangered animals from extinction. You can join the Orangutan Run and Orangutan Ride. For those of you who care about elephants, you can also participate in the Gajah Sumatra Run and Gajah Sumatra Ride. And, don't forget to protect the rare birds of paradise by joining the Burung Cendrawasih Run and Burung Cendrawasih Ride.

By participating in this race, you are donating IDR 30,000 to WWF. You're helping WWF's mission to conserve, restore, and manage Indonesia's ecosystems and biodiversity.

So what are you waiting for? Register now at iluvrun.com and help preserve Indonesia's endangered ecosystems and biodiversity. Environmental conservation is the responsibility of all of us for future generations.