Australian Orangutan Project

About: Australian Orangutan Project is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Animal ecology & Captivity. The organization has 2 authors who have published 3 publications receiving 37 citations.

Factors Influencing the Well-Being and Longevity of Captive Female Orangutans

Abstract: I examined factors affecting the health and mortality of female orangutans in captivity and identified specific aspects of husbandry that appear to be critical to long-term survival in captivity. There are certain high-hazard events in the life of a captive female orangutan, including birth and parturition. Other than the short periods of high hazard, and perhaps of more significance to long-term survival, the major factors that appeared to influence long-term health and mortality included primiparous age, interbirth interval, rearing type, and weight.

Factors Affecting Mortality, Fertility, and Well-being in Relation to Species Differences in Captive Orangutans

Abstract: For the past 20 years, field biologists have recognized Sumatran and Bornean orangutans as belonging to 2 separate subspecies. Primatologists have recently suggested that they may be full species and that the Bornean species could be divided into 3–5 subspecies. Statistical analyses of factors affecting the mortality, fertility, and well-being of captive orangutans have revealed some important differences between Bornean, Sumatran, and hybrid orangutans that could support the suggestion. Hybrid orangutans appeared to be genetically weaker, with much lower survival rates than pure subspecific individuals. The weakness also may have contributed to their higher rate of infant rejection. In addition, infertility was 3 times higher in Bornean orangutans than in Sumatran and hybrid orangutans.

Fostering Appropriate Behavior in Rehabilitant Orangutans ( Pongo pygmaeus )

Abstract: Rehabilitation centers in Indonesia and Malaysia accommodate displaced orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus and P. abelii) and aim to facilitate their release into the wild by developing in them the skills that are necessary for survival. Regular forest excursions are provided but their efficacy in improving learning of appropriate behaviors is unknown. We observed 40 rehabilitating orangutans from the Orangutan Care and Quarantine Centre during 3 forest excursions each to determine whether their behavior fostered the development of survival skills. In total, 38% of their time was spent in locomotion, particularly quadrupedal arboreal travel (13%), walking (8%), climbing (7%), and vine−swinging (4%). 26.5% of their time was spent ≥ 5 m from the ground, at heights up to 25 m. Arboreal activities were more common early in the excursions and interaction with caregivers more common later (h 1: 0.3% of time; h 5: 0.9% of time). Individuals of lower body mass were significantly more likely to engage in arboreal movement, locomotion in general, eating of bark and leaves, and social play, and less likely to eat insects. Those that had been at the Centre the longest were less likely to perform arboreal activities and significantly more likely to be found standing and at ground level than those that had been there for a shorter time. During this study, many forest food items were consumed, particularly leaves and fruit, but also invertebrates and bark. Little time was spent in sexual behavior, tool use, nest building, or socially mediated learning, but social play occupied almost 6% of their time. We conclude that regular excursions into the forest are likely to assist in the development of locomotion and feeding skills for survival in rehabilitating orangutans, but special attention is needed to encourage nest building, social activities, and arboreal activity. Heavy individuals and those that have been captive for a long time are least likely to benefit.