Orangutans


Why is it in the news?

  • In Indonesia, an orangutan named Rakus utilized the medicinal plant Akar Kuning to aid in wound healing, showcasing their remarkable ability to utilize natural remedies.

About Orangutan

  • Named “man of the forest” in Malay, orangutans have ape-like features with shaggy reddish fur and grasping hands and feet.
  • They are the largest arboreal mammals, spending most of their time in trees.
  • Orangutans share 96.4% of human genes, displaying high intelligence.
  • Three species exist: Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli, each differing slightly in appearance and behavior.
  • Orangutans can inhabit areas up to 1,500m above sea level, with a preference for lowland forests in river valleys or floodplains. They are found exclusively in the wild on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
  • Orangutans predominantly consume fruits like mangoes, lychees, and figs, supplemented with young leaves, flowers, insects, and small mammals.
  • All three orangutan species are critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List.
  • Orangutans are crucial for forest health, functioning as “gardeners of the forest” by dispersing seeds and maintaining ecosystem balance, benefiting various species including tigers, Asian elephants, and Sumatran rhinos.
  • Deforestation and hunting pose significant threats to orangutans, resulting in habitat loss and population decline.
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