23/11/2011 (Mosman Daily) - A new initiative to help consumers choose certified palm oil was launched at Taronga Zoo yesterday.

Palm oil production has caused major deforestation - mainly in South-East Asia where a lot of uncertified palm oil trees are being cut down, destroying the natural habitat of animals such as the endangered Sumatran tiger (pictured) and orangutan.

The solution is in the increased productivity of certified palm oil, Taronga Zoo’s director and chief executive Cameron Kerr said.

``Certified palm oils occur when palm oil trees are farmed and cultivated in areas where they do not affect the wild,’’ he said.

``Sumatran tigers live on the brink of extinction, with as few as 400 left in the wild.

``We want people to support certified sustainable palm oil to help reduce forest clearing,’’ Mr Kerr said.