Choose your own animal - Fact file

The animal chosen for this fact file is the Orangutan. Orangutans are primarily found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, two islands in Southeast Asia. These majestic creatures are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their lives in trees. Living high among the branches provides them with access to their primary food sources, such as fruit, leaves, and bark, and offers protection from predators. The height also helps in avoiding floods and enables easy travel without having to navigate the dense forest floor.

Animals choose their habitats based on various survival factors, including food availability, protection from predators, and suitable conditions for breeding and rearing their young. For instance, some animals live underground, such as moles and burrowing owls, to hide from predators and regulate their body temperature. Others, like elephants and antelopes, roam the ground where they can find vast quantities of food and have the space to move in herds. Tree-dwellers, or arboreal animals, like the aforementioned orangutans, sloths, and many species of birds, often seek the safety and resources that the forest canopy provides. Each habitat offers unique advantages and challenges, influencing the remarkable adaptations seen across different species.