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My research is focused on orangutan behavior and biology both as a way
to further our understanding of endangered great apes and to provide clues
to human evolutionary history. My Gunung
Palung Orangutan Project gathers information on many aspects of orangutan
ecology, social behavior, development, physiology, cognition, and ranging
behavior. In particular, I have focused on the reproductive physiology of male and female orangutans with methods I developed for non-invasive
monitoring of steroids through urine sampling. These studies, including
nutritional analyses of orangutan foods, have elucidated the influence
of food availability on the sensitive reproductive system of the orangutan
and have provided clues to the enigmatic patterns of male growth and development.
I am also actively involved with trying to protect this endangered species
and their rain forest habitat through conservation activities, including
education, public awareness, population and habitat censusing, and active
interactions with Indonesia government organizations to fight illegal
logging activities.
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