Photo Credit: Gita Defoe
The infant survival rate among wild orangutans is higher than that of any other mammal living under natural conditions. 94% of wild orangutan babies make it to weaning age. This really is remarkable, as modern humans only reached the same level of survival in the 20th century. It’s down to the excellent parenting skills of orangutan mothers.
The high infant survival rate stems from their lifestyle. Orangutans are semi-solitary which reduces disease transmission, while living in the trees reduces predation. Crucially, orangutan mothers have largely eliminated infant starvation. With an extraordinary 8 to 9 years nursing period, infants are able to supplement their diet with milk when fruit is scarce.
Interestingly, orangutan infants have better survival rates in the wild than in both rehabilitation centres and zoos. This means that despite veterinary care and improved food availability, baby orangutans have a greater chance of survival living with their mothers in large, undisturbed areas of forest.
Whilst this is great news, we shouldn’t take them for granted. Orangutans living in small, isolated forests are unlikely to achieve high infant survival rates, as forest loss affects the health of both mothers and babies. Their survival relies on large, connected areas of forest. If we can give wild orangutans the space and freedom to roam, their mothers will take care of the rest.
This is the final #ScienceSaturday in our Mother’s Day series, which explores the hidden world of orangutan mums. Make your Mother’s Day even more meaningful by sending an e-card that helps protect the amazing bond between orangutans and their young.
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