Comments on: Orangutan from Borneo photographed using a spear tool to fish http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/ We ain’t monkeyin’ around here. Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:24:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Mike http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-11171 Mike Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:13:24 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-11171 That quote "orangutans are predicted to be extinct in the wild in less than 10 years" is all over the Internet, but I'm unable to find a source. Do you have one ? That quote “orangutans are predicted to be extinct in the wild in less than 10 years” is all over the Internet, but I’m unable to find a source. Do you have one ?

]]> By: Michelle Merrill http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-10710 Michelle Merrill Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:41:11 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-10710 See comment above regarding <i>Neesia</i> sp. fruit (not a durian). See comment above regarding Neesia sp. fruit (not a durian).

]]> By: Michelle Merrill http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-10709 Michelle Merrill Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:40:18 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-10709 The fruit in question is in the genus <i>Neesia</i> - locally at Suaq Balimbing on Sumatra (where the tool use was reported, and where I studied them in 1999) the fruit is known as chemangang. The orangutans were eating the rich seeds once they pried them out. I'm not sure where the description "plexiglass needles" came from. My experience with it was like "fiberglass slivers" (that protect the seeds) inside a very tough, woody outer shell. The fruit in question is in the genus Neesia – locally at Suaq Balimbing on Sumatra (where the tool use was reported, and where I studied them in 1999) the fruit is known as chemangang. The orangutans were eating the rich seeds once they pried them out.

I’m not sure where the description “plexiglass needles” came from. My experience with it was like “fiberglass slivers” (that protect the seeds) inside a very tough, woody outer shell.

]]> By: Micro to Macro - Page 24 - Christian Forums http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-10129 Micro to Macro - Page 24 - Christian Forums Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:54:04 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-10129 [...] link) that actually verifies the behavior you are describing. That would rock SO MUCH Sure. Orangutan from Borneo photographed using a spear tool to fish Primatology.net __________________ "Debating creationists on the topic of evolution is rather like trying [...] [...] link) that actually verifies the behavior you are describing. That would rock SO MUCH Sure. Orangutan from Borneo photographed using a spear tool to fish Primatology.net __________________ "Debating creationists on the topic of evolution is rather like trying [...]

]]> By: LeRissa http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-10121 LeRissa Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:33:27 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-10121 I initially stumbled upon this site while searching for that much-talked-about picture of an orangutan spearing a fish - a great photo, indeed. However, I was appalled by what Purba Negoro commented. "Borneo" an obsolete term? No wonder he is "Purba Negoro" - Ancient/Pre-historic Country (man). He seems to be particularly irked also by what he calls the "whiteys", in addition to other nationals other than his own. So why share your prejudice in English? Why not use your native language as your repertoire of communication? Then we all won't have to understand you (gladly).. and trust me, we won't miss you here. I initially stumbled upon this site while searching for that much-talked-about picture of an orangutan spearing a fish – a great photo, indeed.

However, I was appalled by what Purba Negoro commented.

“Borneo” an obsolete term? No wonder he is “Purba Negoro” – Ancient/Pre-historic Country (man).

He seems to be particularly irked also by what he calls the “whiteys”, in addition to other nationals other than his own.

So why share your prejudice in English? Why not use your native language as your repertoire of communication?

Then we all won’t have to understand you (gladly).. and trust me, we won’t miss you here.

]]> By: Complexity Matters » Scientist’s Passion and an Engaged Community Restore New Life and Hope to a Ravaged Land http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-10078 Complexity Matters » Scientist’s Passion and an Engaged Community Restore New Life and Hope to a Ravaged Land Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:06:05 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-10078 [...] back to health, and his life was changed. He coauthored a book, Thinkers of the Jungle, about these intelligent and endangered primates. Hear him tell this inspiring story at [...] [...] back to health, and his life was changed. He coauthored a book, Thinkers of the Jungle, about these intelligent and endangered primates. Hear him tell this inspiring story at [...]

]]> By: New Wild Orangutan Population Discovered : Green Kampong http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-9940 New Wild Orangutan Population Discovered : Green Kampong Tue, 05 May 2009 04:22:20 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-9940 [...] are known for their intelligence and gentleness. Supposedly several have been observed using spears to hunt fish. The orangutan fishing in the photo on the linked page was living in a sanctuary at the time. [...] [...] are known for their intelligence and gentleness. Supposedly several have been observed using spears to hunt fish. The orangutan fishing in the photo on the linked page was living in a sanctuary at the time. [...]

]]> By: macrostoma http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-9877 macrostoma Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:40:57 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-9877 I had no idea Indonesians from Kalimantan refer Borneo as 'Kalimantan'... or that may just be Purba Negoro. No offense but that's a bit arrogant, no? I'm a born and bred Bruneian and over here the island is still called Borneo. Do not forget that at one time, all of Borneo was Brunei (16th Century)! Get off your high horse... language is only just language brother. The bigotry was completely uncalled for. I had no idea Indonesians from Kalimantan refer Borneo as ‘Kalimantan’… or that may just be Purba Negoro. No offense but that’s a bit arrogant, no? I’m a born and bred Bruneian and over here the island is still called Borneo. Do not forget that at one time, all of Borneo was Brunei (16th Century)! Get off your high horse… language is only just language brother. The bigotry was completely uncalled for.

]]> By: rubenblijdorp http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-9856 rubenblijdorp Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:28:46 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-9856 To all who have been reading and posting comments on this article: the goal of this blog is to exchange primatological information, not to engage in political or historical discussions. The amount of posturing, mud slinging and retorics makes the posts very unpleasant to read, not to mention horribly off-topic. To whom this may concern I would like to extend the polite request to find another forum to continue your discussion. Otherwise I will see myself forced to start editing your comments, which I really would rather not do. To all who have been reading and posting comments on this article: the goal of this blog is to exchange primatological information, not to engage in political or historical discussions. The amount of posturing, mud slinging and retorics makes the posts very unpleasant to read, not to mention horribly off-topic. To whom this may concern I would like to extend the polite request to find another forum to continue your discussion. Otherwise I will see myself forced to start editing your comments, which I really would rather not do.

]]> By: KageTora http://primatology.net/2008/04/29/orangutan-photographed-using-tool-as-spear-to-fish/#comment-9832 KageTora Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:46:00 +0000 http://primatology.wordpress.com/?p=310#comment-9832 To the Indonesian Nationalist: South Africa was never called Rhodesia, Zimbabwe was. Also, Borneo was called Borneo because the non-indonesian speaking inhabitants used the word before the Europeans even got there. We didn't just make the word up. Also, it only became part of 'Indonesia' after 'Indonesia' became a country - AFTER the colonials left. (Not only that, if you want to be pedantic, just remember that the name 'Indonesia' WAS in fact coined by the Europeans, as being an extension of the INDIAN subcontinent, much like 'Indo-China' was (now variously broken up into Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, VietNam, etc.)). If you want to rant, check your facts, first. To the writer of this post: Where did the Orangutan get the pole from? It's obvious he didn't make it himself. Also, tool use has been seen in Chimpanzees, Bonobos, and even non-primate species, too. Tool manufacture has been seen in various primate species, as chimpanzees and bonobos have been observed to use stones to shape other stones for specific tasks, as well as stripping twigs of leaves to make it easier to use in 'fishing' for termites and ants in a nest. Still, it doesn't make that picture any less impressive. Well done~! To the Indonesian Nationalist: South Africa was never called Rhodesia, Zimbabwe was. Also, Borneo was called Borneo because the non-indonesian speaking inhabitants used the word before the Europeans even got there. We didn’t just make the word up. Also, it only became part of ‘Indonesia’ after ‘Indonesia’ became a country – AFTER the colonials left. (Not only that, if you want to be pedantic, just remember that the name ‘Indonesia’ WAS in fact coined by the Europeans, as being an extension of the INDIAN subcontinent, much like ‘Indo-China’ was (now variously broken up into Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, VietNam, etc.)). If you want to rant, check your facts, first.

To the writer of this post: Where did the Orangutan get the pole from? It’s obvious he didn’t make it himself. Also, tool use has been seen in Chimpanzees, Bonobos, and even non-primate species, too. Tool manufacture has been seen in various primate species, as chimpanzees and bonobos have been observed to use stones to shape other stones for specific tasks, as well as stripping twigs of leaves to make it easier to use in ‘fishing’ for termites and ants in a nest.

Still, it doesn’t make that picture any less impressive. Well done~!

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