JELAPAT THE STRATEGIST
Not all orangutans face life in the same way. Some individuals are more dominant and bold in taking up space, while others take a different approach to meet their needs without getting into conflict. Jelapat is one of them.
Jelapat is residing on Badak Kecil pre-release island in the Salat Island Group, Central Kalimantan. In his daily routine, he shows an interesting pattern of behaviour. For instance, when dealing with more aggressive orangutans, Jelapat tends to avoid confrontation and waits for a time he deems safer to get supplemental food.
How Jelapat Handles Competition
On Badak Kecil Island, the island’s technician team distributes supplemental food, a key part of the social dynamics in managing pre-release orangutans. Fruits distributed at regular intervals often attract multiple orangutans to the same spot, which occasionally sparks competition among them.
In these situations, Jelapat tends to avoid physical conflict. He prefers moving from tree to tree, observing the scene from a distance, especially when several more aggressive individuals are near the feeding platform.
This behaviour becomes even clearer when the technician team arrives aboard a klotok (traditional wooden boat). From high up in the trees, Jelapat tracks the boat’s movement while keeping his distance. He does not always descend immediately or approach the feeding platform. Instead, he continues following the klotok until the surrounding environment becomes more favourable.
Waiting For The Perfect Time
The technicians, well aware of Jelapat’s habits, then hand out his supplemental food when conditions permit. In this way, Jelapat secures his food without entering direct competition with other orangutans.
However, getting food does not always mean Jelapat can enjoy it in peace. While eating, he remains vigilant toward other orangutans around him. It is not uncommon for larger individuals to approach and take the fruit he is eating. In response, Jelapat generally does not retaliate aggressively. Instead, he moves away and resumes following the klotok to catch his next feeding opportunity.
This behaviour shows that every orangutan can navigate social dynamics in different ways. Despite his unique tactic for getting supplemental food from the technicians, Jelapat does not rely entirely on humans for his sustenance.
Why pick a fight when you can wisely wait until the timing is right to get your fair share?
Exploring And Foraging
Outside supplemental feeding times, Jelapat remains active, exploring the island and foraging for natural food sources in the forest. He uses wild forest fruits and other plant parts, including young shoots and leaves rich in fibre and essential nutrients.
Foraging for natural food is a crucial part of rehabilitation on a pre-release island. Orangutans must show that they can utilise the resources available in their environment rather than depending solely on food provided by humans. For Jelapat, this skill goes hand in hand with his strategy for managing interactions with other orangutans. He can forage independently in the forest while also adapting his behaviour in competitive situations.
A Different Way to Survive
Routine monitoring by the pre-release island’s technician team shows that Jelapat is in good physical condition and remains active in his daily routines. His ability to forage for natural food plays a vital role in maintaining his physical health.
Jelapat’s story reminds us that survival skills are not always demonstrated through sheer force or dominance. In an environment shared by many individuals with distinct personalities, the ability to read situations, avoid conflict, and utilise available resources are also key behaviours that help an orangutan navigate life.
Every orangutan has a unique character and behaviour. By understanding these differences, we can continue to monitor each individual’s progress and ensure they receive the best opportunity to develop their independent survival skills.
For Jelapat, this may be his way of living; he doesn’t need to be the strongest, just smart enough to find what works best for him.
