Perception that orangutan are forest inhabitants living
in isolated existence may be an accurate geographic portrayal, but overlooks
noncontiguous interactions. While population density appears resource
dependent, it takes a community to “raise” an orang. Their development ofintricate communication techniques reflects the importance of community. Clicks
and “faux speech” represent arousal and alarm calls, in the form of grumphs,
gorkunes, grumbiass . Sophisticated kiss-squeak alarm calls involving cupping hands
around muzzles to reduce pitch, facilitating long-distance sound transmission.
This is not inherited, but learned behavior, reflecting aprolonged childhood.
So-called locomotor independence is delayed at least five years. This is a
period of intense (at least related to later activity levels) learning.
They
are very curious animals, for whom communication is only a part of their
“curriculum.” One of the more intriguing aspects of orang behavior is their use
of tools. Variability among derived family groups, at least during the fiveyear “home life” confirms this as learned, not hereditary behavior. Their
curiosity often leads to discovering new tools and concepts which they share
with their group. This includes building sun covers out of leaves and play
nests. Hygiene is facilitated by creating leaf napkins. Itches (both tactile
and erotic) are “scratched” with sticks; branches, used to swat flies; gloves,
made out of leaves to allow access to spiny fruits and branches. Sticks are
used to extract insects from holes (e.g., in trees) and seeds from fruits.
