Thinkers of the Jungle: The Orangutan Report- Pictures, Facts, Background

by Gerd Schuster, Willie Smits

We all recognize these highly intelligent and impressive animals―orangutans. But very few people know anything about their habits and how they live. Around 6,000 of these animals die every year; they are among the world’s most endangered species. This book reveals the truth abouth the tragedy besetting the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra. The breathtaking and moving photographs cannot fail to trigger a strong emotional reaction on the part of the reader.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Animals

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Janine]

A book that reads like an adventure, complete with beautiful pictures and facts. It is based on the world's leading authority on orangutans - Dr. Willie Smits - experiences with orangutans, one of our closest living relatives. Orangutans are highly intelligent, gentle, and they share 97% of their genes with us. The pictures often express this intelligence, as well as their various emotions and experiences in the wild.

[Joe Iacovino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book I wanted to put down. There were some graphic descriptions of events and many pictures which spoke those atrocities. Luckily the book ended with the beginning of a success story... although even in success one is reminded why the endeavor is necessary at all making successes reflect other failures. This is a worthwhile, moving, and honest read.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book, full of stunning photographs and in-depth information on orangutan behavior, the threats posed to them, conservation efforts, and the incredible individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting this remarkable animal.

[Shelly-shawn Womack-gritton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great coffee table book full of beautiful photos and fascinating information, just wish there were more orangutans still on earth!!!!

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that made me weep at the inhumanity OF humanity...how can we treat our fellow creatures and each other with such cruelty?

[Jaime Fernández Garrido · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro es fundamentalmente un ensayo sobre los orangutanes, su etología, su hábitat menguante por culpa de las plantaciones de palma (para extraer ese maldito y omnipresente aceite), los horrores que les hacemos (incluso meter a hembras en prostíbulos), su tambaleante futuro y algunas iniciativas como la Borneo Orangutan Survival, para intentar que estos primos nuestros sobrevivan.

Y de paso que lo hacen los orangutanes que lo haga su entorno, esas selvas tropicales de Borneo y Sumatra que son unos sumideros naturales e increíbles de CO2. El libro cuenta cómo la tala indiscriminada ha destruido el ciclo del agua y ha dejado de llover, con lo que eso supone para la población de esa zona del mundo, tanto para las personas como para el resto de animales.

De todos modos, el libro concluye con un ejemplo esperanzador e increíble (si no fuera por las fotos no me lo creería, realmente) de cómo un espacio totalmente destruido, el de Samboja Lestari, se ha convertido de nuevo, y gracias a la mano del hombre, en una selva tropical, lo que ha hecho que vuelva la lluvia, así como infinidad de especies animales.

Es un libro duro, por las historias degradantes que cuenta, pero también es bellísimo, con cientos de imágenes en gran formato, tanto de los paisajes como de los orangutanes.