🤯 Did You Know (click to read)
Orangutans sometimes reuse old nests during extreme weather but typically prefer building fresh ones.
Severe tropical storms in Sumatra can generate winds strong enough to uproot large canopy trees. Because Sumatran orangutans build new nests almost nightly, they depend on a steady supply of sturdy branches. Storm damage reduces available nesting sites and can alter canopy structure. Fallen trees create gaps that increase ground exposure. Repeated storm events fragment habitat even without human logging. Climate variability may intensify storm frequency in the region. Nest availability is directly tied to forest stability.
💥 Impact (click to read)
Loss of mature trees reduces both nesting and fruiting capacity simultaneously. Canopy gaps alter microclimates, increasing sunlight penetration and drying forest floors. Young trees may struggle to establish under altered conditions. Orangutans must adjust travel routes around damaged zones. Energetic costs rise when suitable nesting trees become scarce. A storm's ecological footprint can persist for years.
Climate-driven storm intensification adds another stress layer to already fragmented forests. Even protected areas face increased disturbance risk. Long-lived species with slow reproduction cannot rapidly rebound from repeated habitat shocks. Resilience depends on maintaining large contiguous forest blocks capable of absorbing disturbance. Storm vulnerability underscores the importance of landscape-scale conservation.
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