ORANGUTAN - ENVIRONMENT
News: Wounded orangutan seen using
plant as medicine
What's in the news?
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A Sumatran orangutan in Indonesia has
self-medicated using a paste made from plants to heal a large wound on his
cheek, say scientists.
Key takeaways:
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It is the first time a creature in the wild has
been recorded treating an injury with a medicinal plant.
Orangutans:
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Orangutans are among the most expensive animals in the illegal pet trade.
Habitat:
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Orangutans means "Man of the forest" in the Malay language.
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Orangutans are great apes native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia.
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They are now found only in parts of Borneo and
Sumatra.
Characteristics:
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They have proportionally long arms and short legs.
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Reddish-brown hair covering their bodies.
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Bornean and Sumatran orangutans differ a little in
appearance and behavior.
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Sumatran orangutans have longer facial hair.
Threats:
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Poaching
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Habitat destruction
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Illegal pet trade
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Deforestation due to palm oil cultivation and
logging.
IUCN Status:
|
Bornean orangutan |
Endangered |
|
The Sumatran |
Critically Endangered |
|
Tapanuli orangutan - third species of
orangutan and no more than 800 individuals. |
Critically Endangered |