Orangutans of Borneo
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The orangutans are known to be one of Borneo's most precious primates. In fact, the orangutans in Borneo are protected, having their own free forest to roam while being looked after, even well fed!
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Orangutans are known to be semi-solitary creatures. This is crucial to survive in the Borneo rainforests as depending on the seasons, there may not be enough food to share amongst themselves.
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Travelling alone ensures that they can fend for themselves, searching and eating enough food without having to worry about others. Although, female orangutans have been seen to hang around each other in the forests, quite the female instinct I suppose!
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Female orangutans are also less solitary, as they carry their young around with them most of the time. Unfortunately, female orangutans only give birth to a single offspring every 6 to 8 years. This makes them one of the slowest reproducing animals in the Bornean rainforests.
The Bornean Orangutans, scientifically named Pongo pygmaeus, are one of the closest creatures to us humans. They can be distinguished by their long shaggy reddish-brown hair and distinctive cheek pads. Male orangutans can even weigh up to 200 pounds! Following the males' huge and muscular bodies, they are definitely not ones to mess with.
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Although their appearance, they do not show sudden aggression unless they feel threatened!
Bornean orangutans face a heap full of threats, ranging from losing their homes due to deforestation, to illegal pet trading. Due to this, the orangutans are now officially endangered!
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Fortunately, here in Borneo, numerous organizations as well as the government are working hard to provide protection for these magnificent treasures of Borneo rainforests.
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One of the conservation efforts that we can see would be Semenggoh Wildlife Centre that provides a protected area for orangutans. Other than that, they also provide an attraction for us to learn more about these creatures, and get to burn a little fire in our hearts to understand the loss we would face if they eventually go extinct.
The world of the Bornean Orangutans are definitely full of wonders, as well as concerns. It is vital for us to make a move now in conserving this wonderful primates of our Borneo Rainforest, ensuring that our future generations still get a chance to see these remarkable apes.