Context
- Recently, the Odisha Forest Department rescued five young orangutans from a casuarina plantation in Balasore’s Udayapur–Talsari area. Found abandoned during patrolling, the animals were shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park for medical examination.
About Orangutan
| Feature | Key Information |
| Scientific genus | Pongo |
| Taxonomic group | Great ape; Family Hominidae |
| Native Habitat & Endemism | Orangutans are native exclusively to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, specifically restricted to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra (shared across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei). They are Asia’s only living non-human great ape species. |
| Lifestyle | Predominantly arboreal |
| Diet | Primarily frugivorous, but broadly omnivorous |
| IUCN Status | Critically Endangered |
| CITES | Appendix I |
Physical & Anatomical Adaptations
- Arboreal Lifestyle: Among the largest tree-dwelling mammals; spend most of their time in forest canopies.
- Long Arms: Arm span can reach ~2.2 m, much greater than body height.
- Flexible Joints: Highly mobile shoulders and hips, with grasping hands and feet, facilitate movement through trees.
Behaviour & Cognition
- Tool Use: Use sticks, leaves and other objects for feeding, protection and communication.
- Mostly Solitary: Adult orangutans are largely solitary; females remain with offspring, while males maintain large ranges.
- Extended Maternal Care: Young may remain with their mothers for 7–8 years, learning feeding techniques, nest-building and movement through the forest.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC: Nandankanan Zoological Park |
Q. With reference to Orangutans, consider the following statements:
1. Orangutans are naturally found in India.
2. All three living orangutan species are classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
3. Orangutans are listed under CITES Appendix I.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Statement 1 is Incorrect: Orangutans are not native to India; their natural range is restricted to Borneo and Sumatra.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans are all Critically Endangered.
Statement 3 is Correct: All three orangutan species are included in CITES Appendix I, providing the highest level of protection against international commercial trade.