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Ecology space
An orang-utan constructs its nest out of small
branches at any place where there is sufficient
support, especially in crowns and forks. Broken
or bent branches are assembled and laid across
each other forming a rough circle of about 2-3 feet
in diameter. Nests, found at 10 to 150 feet above
ground, are occupied from dusk to dawn.
An
orang-utan may sleep in the same nest for several
nights if it is situated in an area with plenty of
fruiting trees. But as a rule, a new nest is built
each night. Additional nest may also be
constructed for daytime rest and sleep. Small
infants share a nest with their mothers. The
youngs start building their own nests at about 2
years old.
In the wild, the orang-utan is predominantly
solitary and usually silent. Deep growl may be
emitted by older animals in cases of alarm. Upon
encounter with an unwelcomed intruder like
man, orang-utans are usually very unaggressive,
gentle creatures. They have never been observed
to kill. Male orang-utans have no natural
predators and his dominance in the trees is
rivalled only by other males of his kind.
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