Orangutans have the slowest life histories of any mammal. They take the longest time to grow up and they are the slowest to reproduce. This is because infants are dependent on their mothers for at least five years, learning about survival in the forest. The quantity and quality of maternal behaviours may influence the infant’s pace of development, exploration tendencies, cognitive abilities, and social behaviour.
In a new study, researchers have examined how Sumatran orangutan mothers differ in caregiving styles. They wanted to know if some orangutan mothers are more protective, while others are more playful or more hands-off—just like humans. Researchers observed mothers and their offspring for 15 years, looking at six key behaviours. They found that mothers varied significantly in their parenting styles.
For example, some mothers consistently showed high levels of certain energetically-costly behaviours (like carrying), while others were less frequent. They adapted their parenting as their offspring grew—some more dramatically than others. The study suggests that orangutan mothers, much like humans, have distinct parenting “personalities,” even when controlling for factors such as offspring age and sex, food availability, and the presence of other orangutans.
Understanding the differences in maternal behaviour can help us learn more about how orangutans develop and how social interactions shape their lives. It can provide insights into the evolution of maternal care in primates, including humans. 🦧💚
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