Terran Orang Utan



The orangutans (also spelled orangutan, orangutang, or orang-utang) are the two exclusively Asian species of great apes.

Location and Origin
Native Orangutans are currently found in only the Earth rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Classified in the genus Pongo, they have been divided into two species: the Bornean orangutan (P. pygmaeus) and the Sumatran orangutan (P. abelii). In addition, the Bornean species is divided into three subspecies. Based on genome sequencing, the two extant orangutan species evidently diverged around 400,000 years ago. The orangutans are also the only surviving species of the subfamily Ponginae. The ancestors of the Ponginae subfamily split from the main ape line in Africa 16 to 19 million years ago and spread into Asia.

Description and Pre Ascent
Orangutans are the most arboreal of the great apes and spend most of their time in trees. Their hair is typically reddish-brown, instead of the brown or black hair typical of chimpanzees and gorillas. Males and females differ in size and appearance. Dominant adult males have distinctive cheek pads and produce long calls that attract females and intimidate rivals. Younger males do not have these characteristics and resemble adult females. Orangutans are the most solitary of the great apes, with social bonds occurring primarily between mothers and their dependent offspring, who stay together for the first two years. Fruit is the most important component of an orangutan's diet; however, the apes will also eat vegetation, bark, honey, insects and even bird eggs. They can live over 30 years in both the wild and captivity. Orangutans are among the most intelligent primates; they use a variety of sophisticated tools and construct elaborate sleeping nests each night from branches and foliage. The apes have been extensively studied for their learning abilities. There may even be distinctive cultures within populations.

Human activities caused severe declines in the populations and ranges of both species. Circa 2007 OTT, several studies had their total numbers as low as 61,000. Threats to wild orangutan populations included poaching, habitat destruction, and the illegal pet trade. Several conservation and rehabilitation organizations were dedicated to the survival of orangutans in the wild.

Post Ascent
With the 2300 OTT establishment of the World Life Restore Initiative and creation of the Super Nature Parks, Orang Utans are now firmly reestablished on Earth. The last census reported in Earth’s WorldEnvironmental Health index was 823,489.