Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Timothy P. Cleland, Michael L. Power
Summary: Milk is an important source of nutrition for neonatal mammals, containing bioactive molecules that may impact their physiology and immune function. This study used mass spectrometry to characterize the milk proteomes of a Pongo pygmaeus and a Gorilla gorilla, finding changes in the proteomes across lactation. The study also identified changes in immunoglobulins and demonstrated differences between samples from different individuals.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elizabeth Linda Yuliani, Denny O. Bakara, Mohammad Ilyas, Anne E. Russon, Agus Salim, Jim Sammy, J. L. Sunderland-Groves, T. C. H. Sunderland
Summary: Based on the latest research, the Bornean orangutan is facing a declining population due to habitat degradation and land-use change. The study suggests that stronger conservation measures are needed to ensure the future of the Bornean orangutan.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Felicity Oram, Mohamed Daisah Kapar, Abdul Rajak Saharon, Hamisah Elahan, Pravind Segaran, Shernytta Poloi, Haslan Saidal, Ahbam Abulani, Isabelle Lackman, Marc Ancrenaz
Summary: A recent study in Malaysian Borneo's Kinabatangan River area reveals that despite extensive forest conversion to oil palm plantations, orangutans are still able to find food and shelter resources within these modified landscapes. The study also identifies misconceptions and lack of cooperation as major barriers to in situ conservation in these agroforest matrices.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRIMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Kristana Parinters Makur, Sri Suci Utami-Atmoko, Tatang Mitra Setia, Maria A. van Noordwijk, Erin R. Vogel
Summary: The study documents the first recorded case of a Bornean orangutan capturing and consuming a slow loris. It shows that the adult male orangutan did not share the food with the female orangutan and her offspring, who could only watch.
Article
Zoology
Kodzue Kinoshita, Yoriko Indo, Tomoyuki Tajima, Noko Kuze, Etsuko Miyakawa, Toshio Kobayashi, Tomoyuki Nakamura, Mitsuaki Ogata, Fumihiko Okumura, Takashi Hayakawa, Naruki Morimura, Yusuke Mori, Munehiro Okamoto, Yasuhiko Ozaki, Satoshi Hirata
Summary: Coagulum in the semen of some primates plays different roles in different species. For orangutans, the coagulum may enhance the survival of their own sperm, possibly due to their unique reproductive traits such as difficulty in predicting ovulation.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Paolo Martelli, Serena Oh
Summary: A 13-year-old Bornean orangutan diagnosed with life-threatening broncho-pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pyogenes was successfully treated using long-term deep sedation with consistent intravenous administration of antibiotics.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Shawna J. Hawkins, Jason D. Struthers, Kristen Phair, Ibne Karim M. Ali, Shantanu Roy, Bonnie Mull, Gary West
Summary: This passage describes the case of a female Bornean orangutan who died from a cerebral mass suspected to be caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris infection. Pathological examination and DNA sequencing confirmed the infection source and revealed a possible exposure pathway.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Natthanet Sritrakoon, Winyu Karntip, Sirirat Niyom, Susadee Khemton, Panuwat Pakpiboon, Kant Wongsirodkul, Kanyarat Arunsri, Aree Thayananuphat
Summary: This case study describes a successful cataract surgery in a 2-year-old female orangutan using phacoemulsification and IOL implantation to restore vision, with good outcome during a 3-year follow-up.
OPEN VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Kathryn S. Leach, Sam Rivera, William Devlin, Ilana Kutinsky, Roberta Boyd, Marietta D. Danforth, Gregg Rapoport, Lynn Yakubinis, Rita McManamon, Brittany McHale, Hayley W. Murphy
Summary: A 37-year-old male vasectomized hybrid orangutan was diagnosed with left ventricular dysfunction and successfully treated with carvedilol. The orangutan later developed atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmia, which were managed with various medications. Improvement in cardiac function was observed, but the orangutan eventually died 27 months after initial diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of cardiac disease screening and thorough evaluation in orangutans.
JOURNAL OF ZOO AND WILDLIFE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Jacqueline L. Sunderland-Groves, Maryos Tandang, Fiet Hayu Patispathika, Anna Marzec, Andrea Knox, Anton Nurcahyo, Simon J. Husson, Jamartin Sihite
Summary: In February 2017 and August 2018, two Bornean orangutans reintroduced into the Bukit Batikap Protection Forest in Central Kalimantan were found in weakened physical condition and with deep puncture wounds. They were suspected to be attacked by the Sunda clouded leopard, the largest felid inhabiting the forest. Both orangutans fully recovered following intensive treatment and were successfully returned to the forest, adding to the body of knowledge about possible predation by clouded leopards on reintroduced, rehabilitant orangutans.
Article
Ecology
Cheryl Cheah, K. Yoganand
Summary: The subpopulation of Central Sabah, which is a geographically isolated and genetically distinct group of Asian elephants, has been surveyed in 2015 using advanced methods. The estimated population size and density were much lower than the previous estimate in 2008. There were no identifiable causes for the population decline, suggesting methodological and analytical flaws in the previous estimate.
Article
Biology
Rita Andini, Erdiansyah Rahmi, Mardiana, Saida Rasnovi, Martunis, Ryan Moulana
Summary: Orangutans populations have drastically declined and now are only found in Borneo and Sumatra rainforests. This study focused on nest characteristics of Pongo abelli in Sumatra, finding 27 nests mainly along rivers. The study provides valuable information for primate conservation and future reforestation planning in the region.
TROPICAL LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
F. Zack, P. Warnke, J. Manhart, A. Angeli, H. Nizze, J. O. Rudnick, I. Steinhagen, V. Kolbe, M. Hammer, A. Buettner
Summary: This report examines the death of a 13-year-old female orangutan who died in captivity 4 days after suffering from acute enterocolitis. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was acute Escherichia coli enterocolitis with massive intestinal hemorrhage, possibly exacerbated by recurrent diarrheal diseases caused by the mother's refusal to breastfeed.
Letter
Biodiversity Conservation
Friederike C. Bolam, Louise Mair, Marco Angelico, Thomas M. Brooks, Mark Burgman, Claudia Hermes, Michael Hoffmann, Rob W. Martin, Philip J. K. McGowan, Ana S. L. Rodrigues, Carlo Rondinini, James R. S. Westrip, Hannah Wheatley, Yuliana Bedolla-Guzman, Javier Calzada, Matthew F. Child, Peter A. Cranswick, Christopher R. Dickman, Birgit Fessl, Diana O. Fisher, Stephen T. Garnett, Jim J. Groombridge, Christopher N. Johnson, Rosalind J. Kennerley, Sarah R. B. King, John F. Lamoreux, Alexander C. Lees, Luc Lens, Simon P. Mahood, David P. Mallon, Erik Meijaard, Federico Mendez-Sanchez, Alexandre Reis Percequillo, Tracey J. Regan, Luis Miguel Renjifo, Malin C. Rivers, Nicolette S. Roach, Lizanne Roxburgh, Roger J. Safford, Paul Salaman, Tom Squires, Ella Vazquez-Dominguez, Piero Visconti, John C. Z. Woinarski, Richard P. Young, Stuart H. M. Butchart
Summary: Conservation actions have prevented multiple extinctions of bird and mammal species since 1993, but many species remain highly threatened and efforts need to be scaled up to prevent further extinctions in the future.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2021)
News Item
Biodiversity Conservation
Serge Wich, Erik Meijaard
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erik Meijaard, Safwanah Ni'matullah, Rona Dennis, Julie Sherman, Onrizal, Serge A. Wich
Summary: The Tapanuli Orangutan is the most threatened great ape species in the world. Historical records show that its historical distribution was much larger than it is now. The current population is at risk of extinction due to habitat fragmentation and unsustainable hunting.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Matthew Scott Luskin, Erik Meijaard, Selly Surya, Sheherazade, Chris Walzer, Matthew Linkie
Summary: The recent outbreak of African Swine Fever in Asia is posing a significant threat to endemic pig species and economic security, with over one hundred million domestic pigs already dead. Endangered Asian pig species are at risk, leading to cascading impacts on carnivores, plant communities, and livelihoods of millions of people. Management recommendations include urgent research, improved disease detection, monitoring, and proper carcass disposal.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Charles J. Marsh, Yanina V. Sica, Connor J. Burgin, Wendy A. Dorman, Robert C. Anderson, Isabel del Toro Mijares, Jessica G. Vigneron, Vijay Barve, Victoria L. Dombrowik, Michelle Duong, Robert Guralnick, Julie A. Hart, J. Krish Maypole, Kira McCall, Ajay Ranipeta, Anna Schuerkmann, Michael A. Torselli, Thomas Lacher, Russell A. Mittermeier, Anthony B. Rylands, Wes Sechrest, Don E. Wilson, Agustin M. Abba, Luis F. Aguirre, Joaquin Arroyo-Cabrales, Diego Astua, Andrew M. Baker, Gill Braulik, Janet K. Braun, Jorge Brito, Peter E. Busher, Santiago F. Burneo, M. Alejandra Camacho, Paolo Cavallini, Elisandra de Almeida Chiquito, Joseph A. Cook, Tamas Cserkesz, Gabor Csorba, Erika Cuellar Soto, Valeria da Cunha Tavares, Tim R. B. Davenport, Thomas Demere, Christiane Denys, Christopher R. Dickman, Mark D. B. Eldridge, Eduardo Fernandez-Duque, Charles M. Francis, Greta Frankham, William L. Franklin, Thales Freitas, J. Anthony Friend, Elizabeth L. Gadsby, Guilherme S. T. Garbino, Philippe Gaubert, Norberto Giannini, Thomas Giarla, Jason S. Gilchrist, Jaime Gongora, Steven M. Goodman, Sharon Gursky-Doyen, Klaus Hacklander, Mark S. Hafner, Melissa Hawkins, Kristofer M. Helgen, Steven Heritage, Arlo Hinckley, Stefan Hintsche, Mary Holden, Kay E. Holekamp, Rodney L. Honeycutt, Brent A. Huffman, Tatyana Humle, Rainer Hutterer, Carlos Ibanez Ulargui, Stephen M. Jackson, Jan Janecka, Mary Janecka, Paula Jenkins, Rimvydas Juskaitis, Javier Juste, Roland Kays, C. William Kilpatrick, Tigga Kingston, John L. Koprowski, Boris Krystufek, Tyrone Lavery, Thomas E. Lee, Yuri L. R. Leite, Roberto Leonan M. Novaes, Burton K. Lim, Andrey Lissovsky, Raquel Lopez-Antonanzas, Adria Lopez-Baucells, Colin D. MacLeod, Fiona G. Maisels, Michael A. Mares, Helene Marsh, Stefano Mattioli, Erik Meijaard, Ara Monadjem, F. Blake Morton, Grace Musser, Tilo Nadler, Ryan W. Norris, Agustina Ojeda, Nicte Ordonez-Garza, Ulyses F. J. Pardinas, Bruce D. Patterson, Ana Pavan, Michael Pennay, Calebe Pereira, Joyce Prado, Helder L. Queiroz, Matthew Richardson, Erin P. Riley, Stephen J. Rossiter, Daniel I. Rubenstein, Dennisse Ruelas, Jorge Salazar-Bravo, Stephanie Schai-Braun, Cody J. Schank, Christoph Schwitzer, Lori K. Sheeran, Myron Shekelle, Georgy Shenbrot, Pipat Soisook, Sergio Solari, Richard Southgate, Mariella Superina, Andrew B. Taber, Mauricio Talebi, Peter Taylor, Thong Vu Dinh, Nelson Ting, Diego G. Tirira, Susan Tsang, Samuel T. Turvey, Raul Valdez, Victor Van Cakenberghe, Geraldine Veron, Janette Wallis, Rod Wells, Danielle Whittaker, Elizabeth A. Williamson, George Wittemyer, John Woinarski, Dietmar Zinner, Nathan S. Upham, Walter Jetz
Summary: This article introduces a database of global mammal species' native range maps, including various tools for integration with other data. These expert maps provide basic information for broad-scale research and conservation.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ralph Trancoso, Jozef Syktus, Alvaro Salazar, Marcus Thatcher, Nathan Toombs, Kenneth Koon-Ho Wong, Erik Meijaard, Douglas Sheil, Clive A. McAlpine
Summary: Tropical deforestation has a significant impact on fire weather risk by increasing temperature, wind speed, and potential evapotranspiration, while decreasing humidity, cloud cover, and precipitation. This highlights the key role of tropical forests in regulating regional climate processes and reducing fire weather risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Erik Meijaard, Douglas Sheil, Julie Sherman, Liana Chua, Safwanah Ni'matullah, Kerrie Wilson, Marc Ancrenaz, Darmawan Liswanto, Serge A. Wich, Benoit Goossens, Hjalmar S. Kuehl, Maria Voigt, Yaya Rayadin, Yuyun Kurniawan, Agus Trianto, Dolly Priatna, Graham L. Banes, Emily Massingham, John Payne, Andrew J. Marshall
Summary: This study evaluates the impacts of the Half-Earth and Whole-Earth conservation visions on the conservation of Bornean orangutans. The findings suggest that the Half-Earth approach is comparatively easier to achieve and is projected to result in an orangutan population of around 87% of its current size by 2032. The Whole-Earth approach, on the other hand, may lead to greater forest loss and ape killing, resulting in a prediction of only 44% of the current orangutan population by 2032.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Erik Meijaard, Ehsan Moqanaki
Summary: Social media, including ResearchGate, are increasingly used by the science community to share research outputs and seek feedback, but their ability to measure research interest and impacts reliably is questioned. Despite this, our article on the Eurasian wild pig in Iran received a remarkably high level of interest on ResearchGate, with the number of reads being 1,500 times higher than the average for scientists from American and Asian universities. These reads were likely due to data-gathering processes unrelated to the research details. Regardless, we used this popularity to advocate for conservation research in an understudied region and species.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paul Fergus, Carl Chalmers, Steven Longmore, Serge Wich, Carmen Warmenhove, Jonathan Swart, Thuto Ngongwane, Andre Burger, Jonathan Ledgard, Erik Meijaard
Summary: The biodiversity of our planet is at risk due to negative human actions, such as hunting, overfishing, pollution, and land conversion. Despite efforts and funding, global wildlife populations continue to decline. This paper proposes Interspecies Money, where animals own their own digital money to reward their guardians for conservation services. A trial in South Africa showed that using camera traps and deep learning, it is possible to achieve high accuracy in animal detection and transfer funds between animals and their guardians.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Michela Pacifici, Andrea Cristiano, Maria Lumbierres, Mauro Lucherini, David Mallon, Erik Meijaard, Sergio Solari, Marcelo F. Tognelli, Jerrold L. Belant, Thomas M. Butynski, Drew Cronin, Jean-Pierre d'Huart, Daniele Da Re, Yvonne A. de Jong, Arjun Dheer, Li Fei, Sonia Gallina, John M. Goodrich, Abishek Harihar, Carlos A. Lopez Gonzalez, Sarah R. B. King, Rebecca L. Lewison, Fabiano R. de Melo, Constanza Napolitano, Dede Aulia Rahman, Phillip T. Robinson, Timothy Robinson, Carlo Rondinini, Gono Semiadi, Karen Strier, Mauricio Talebi, William Andrew Taylor, Christine Thiel-Bender, Nelson Ting, Ingrid Wiesel
Summary: This study investigates the impact of habitat degradation on terrestrial mammal species. By comparing historic and current distribution maps for 475 species, we found that 59% of them have less available habitat in their lost ranges, suggesting habitat loss contributed to range declines. Factors like land conversion to rangeland and high livestock density negatively affected habitat availability. Intrinsic traits such as reproductive timing, habitat breadth and medium body size also played a role. The study underscores the need for conservation efforts to mitigate human-induced habitat threats and identifies species that could potentially reclaim lost range if threats are addressed.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Emily Massingham, Erik Meijaard, Marc Ancrenaz, Dino Mika, Julie Sherman, Truly Santika, Lengga Pradipta, Hugh P. Possingham, Angela J. Dean
Summary: Despite decades of conservation management, many orangutan populations are still on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and direct killings. This study conducted the first quantitative field research in over 10 years to assess the state of killing of orangutans in Kalimantan. The findings suggest that killing is still occurring and conservation projects have not significantly reduced this behavior. Addressing killing of orangutans and its underlying drivers is crucial for improving Bornean orangutan conservation practice.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily J. Massingham, Kerrie A. Wilson, Erik Meijaard, Marc Ancrenaz, Truly Santika, Rachel Friedman, Hugh P. Possingham, Angela J. Dean
Summary: Public opinion can shape conservation policy-making and implementation, and social factors like wellbeing may influence public opinion about conservation issues. A survey of Indonesian and Malaysian residents revealed that diverse indicators of wellbeing were positively associated with public support for orangutan conservation. However, not all wellbeing indicators were related to conservation support. This study highlights the complexity of the relationship between wellbeing and public opinion and emphasizes the need to consider multidimensional aspects of wellbeing in diverse social and geographic settings.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Marc Ancrenaz, Felicity Oram, Nardiyono Nardiyono, Muhammad Silmi, Marcie E. M. Jopony, Maria Voigt, Dave J. Seaman, Julie Sherman, Isabelle Lackman, Carl Traeholt, Serge A. Wich, Truly Santika, Matthew J. Struebig, Erik Meijaard
Summary: The study found that orangutans are still present in small isolated forest fragments within agricultural landscapes like oil palm plantations, playing a crucial role in maintaining gene flow within the metapopulation. While translocations may be necessary in some cases, removing animals from dispersed metapopulations could impact their long-term viability. Efforts are needed to better understand the dynamics of orangutan metapopulations in forest-farmland mosaics and design efficient conservation strategies to protect the species.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2021)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Erik Meijaard, Truly Santika, Kerrie A. Wilson, Sugeng Budiharta, Ahmad Kusworo, Elizabeth A. Law, Rachel Friedman, Joseph A. Hutabarat, Tito P. Indrawan, Julie Sherman, Freya A. V. St. John, Matthew J. Struebig
Summary: Based on a review of policy implementation, impact evaluation of case studies and counterfactual analyses, it is increasingly possible to determine the conditions under which community forest management can most likely achieve its social and environmental objectives.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Truly Santika, Kerrie A. Wilson, Elizabeth A. Law, Freya A. St John, Kimberly M. Carlson, Holly Gibbs, Courtney L. Morgans, Marc Ancrenaz, Erik Meijaard, Matthew J. Struebig
Summary: The study suggests that palm oil eco-certification can reduce poverty in market-oriented villages but increase it in subsistence villages. It highlights the importance of additional resources to ensure socioeconomic objectives are met in certain village contexts.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)