160 p. : 33 cm

"This illustrated look at orangutan life tells the story of one of the most fascinating members of the great ape family. In Orangutans, conservation biologist Junaidi Payne presents an informative and compelling description of the lives of orangutans, from their habitat and behavior to the complex intricacies of orangutan society, with discussions of such topics as the differences between wild and captive creatures and characteristics of age and sex. He provides information on orangutan conservation and rehabilitation as well, discussing threats to orangutan welfare and strategies for safeguarding orangutans in the future

Extraordinary photographs in color by award-winning photographer Cede Prudente reveal little-seen aspects of orangutan life in the rainforest and showcase the breathtaking landscapes of Borneo and Sumatra. Orangutans also includes a map of orangutan distribution and information on where to see orangutans in the wild."--BOOK JACKET

Includes bibliographical references (p. 154) and index

1. A portrait of the species -- A very special red ape -- Distribution map -- 2. Tropical rainforests : home of the orangutan -- Primary or old growth wetland forests -- Primary or old growth dipterocarp forests -- Other primary forest types -- Disturbed forest -- 3. Evolution, history, and links to humans -- The orangutan's place in evolution -- The living orangutan species -- Human perceptions and relations with orangutans -- Communication and culture -- Health and disease -- Names for orangutans -- 4. Wild orangutans -- Distribution, range size, and population density -- The orangutan's diet -- Orangutan society and reproduction -- A day in the life of an orangutan -- 5. Orangutans in zoos -- An ethical debate -- Zoos and conservation -- 6. Orangutan conservation -- Reasons why the orangutan is always a threatened species -- Trends up to the 1980s -- Trends from the 1980s to now -- Illegal capture and trade -- Orangutan rehabilitation and translocation -- Current threats and concerns -- 7. What can be done? -- A way forward -- How wood-based industries can help -- How the palm oil industry can help -- How nongovernmental organizations can help -- How entrepreneurs can help -- How individuals can help -- Where to see wild orangutans

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