The Orangutans

Rating:
Summary: A message for all of us
Review: 'The Orang-utans' underscores the urgency for attention to the current circumstances and future realities facing wild orang-utans in Borneo and Malaysia. Kaplan and Rogers present scientific evidence demonstrating the extraordinary capabilities and behavior of this species, as well as narratives on personal encounters with rehabilitated orang-utans. Incredibly complex scientific evidence and principles are presented in a way that allows for the majority of readers to understand and recognize the significance of these data. The authors must be commended for making these scientific discoveries so comprehensible and, in doing so, allowing us to recognize the unique abilities of this species. Although, primatologists that specialize in research on orang-utans are aware of their cognitive and social abilities, this information is not easily accessible to most people. Moreover, when scientific data are attainable they are often communicated in a way that precludes understanding by a nonspecific audience. Kaplan and Rogers make even molecular genetics understandable. Perhaps more importantly, Kaplan and Rogers provide insight into individual orang-utans and thereby highlight the sentience of these beings. We are forced to recognize many similarities between humans and orang-utans, as well as to respect and marvel at the differences between these species. While reading this book you become cognizant of the enormous loss the extinction of the orang-utan would represent. Yet, we are reminded of the impinging reality of orang-utan extinction. Kaplan and Rogers provide objective descriptions of the impacts of human contact, selective logging, and reforestation on the survival of free-ranging orang-utans. It is through the eyes, and writings, of researchers such as these that we will be forced to recognize the importance and uniqueness of other species, and to consider the implications of our actions and conservation efforts.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing New for Those Familiar wtih Orangutans
Review: This book is written by two experienced field researchers. The information presented in the book is more like a review - no new information is presented. Furthermore, information presented on orangutans in captivity is presented in a very negative way despite the fact that neither author has any experience with the care or captive husbandry of this species. Although this species faces possible extinction in next 20 years or so, no concrete, realistic actions steps are given to solve the "real socio-economic" problems in in the countires where orangutans are found. Overall, a very disappointing book.