Biofuels threaten sustainable tribes.

25/11/2008, KARMELE LLANO SANCHEZ, INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RESCUE, INDONESIA -- According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at least 236 plant species and 51 animal species are in danger of extinction in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo island. Indonesia is the second country with most biodiversity in the world with the highest number of species, most endemic, and in danger of extinction. Indonesia is also well known for continuous destruction of primary forests. The main cause of this ecological disaster is intensive cultivation of oil palm, continuing its world expansion to produce so-called biofuels. Long-term effects of palm-oil monoculture are more harmful than illegal tree felling. It's promoted by political corruption and in most cases considered to be a legal activity. Oil palm companies are also threatening: Dayak tribes with extinction. The Dayaks, native of Borneo lands, are ancient tribes whose lives have always been deeply rooted to the land. The forest is their source of food, water and other provisions, like construction materials and herbal medicines. This sustainable coexistence has been maintained over hundreds of years they have lived in these lands.