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Selection of tree species for cambium consumption by the Bornean orang-utan (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii)
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Rothwell, Michael |
| Copyright Year | 2008 |
| Abstract | Cambium is a major fall-back food for orang-utans when fruit availability is low. Although recognised as a major source of food in these times, the motivation behind the preference for certain species is unclear. Energy content and nutritional composition of cambium was studied to see if there were differences between eaten and not-eaten species that might explain the choices made by Bornean orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii). Bark samples were collected from the Sabangau peat swamp forest, Central Kalimantan, and the cambium layer removed. Physical properties measurements were taken and nutritional analyses were performed to determine nutrient composition of the organic matter. Available energy was calculated and compared between eaten and not-eaten species. Due to small sample size and non-normal data distribution non-parametric tests were used to test for differences between species eaten and avoided. Cambium thickness and water content were both significantly different between eaten and not-eaten species, with not-eaten species being thicker (p=0.001) and containing more water (p=0.010). There were no significant differences between eaten and not-eaten species in terms of total available energy, the different fractions of organic matter or the energy gained from them. Eaten cambium is not chosen on the basis of energy content alone and it is probable that other factors, especially toughness, are important for limiting species eaten in this area. It is unlikely that hardness and secondary plant compounds play a role in cambium preference, but it is possible that essential fatty acid spectrum may also be important. |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://www.borneonaturefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Michael-Rothwell-2007-Selection-of-tree-species-for-cambium-consumption-by-the-Bornean-orangutan.pdf |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
