Apes of Borneo

Orangutans were once living in the jungles of Java and south China. But these Great Apes can now only be found in the forests of Sumatra and Borneo. Their decreasing population of the orangutans is a result of incessant logging and a loss of habitat. The creatures have comparable appearance to that of humans and often behaves mischievously. Although orangutans are solitary animals, they gather in small groups in order to survive. Experts predict that if harmful human activities continue in the forests where orangutans live, they can become extinct within 10 to 20 years. Tourists and nature enthusiasts can visit Borneo‘s natural habitats of orangutans and get to meet these creatures in person. They can also choose to visit orangutan sanctuaries in Tankung Puting and Sepilok. A portion of the fee paid for the tour is shared to programs that aim to preserve and increase the population of orangutans.

Another curious ape in the forests of Borneo is the peculiar proboscis monkey. These shy creatures features a very different appearance than other apes and are very hard to find in the wild. They are usually found by the rivers gathering for food. They create a noise similar to that of a goose. And they use this to alert other proboscis monkeys of approaching danger of to simply communicate. One male proboscis monkey usually heads the pact. He can be identified with his dominantly big nose. They also have webbed feet which helps them swim; they are one of the very few species of monkeys that enjoy the water.

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