Who discovered the Orangutan?

Answer 1

The orangutan was not "discovered" in the traditional sense, as it was known to indigenous populations long before Western scientists became aware of it. However, the first scientific descriptions of the orangutan were made by European naturalists in the 17th century, notably by the Dutch physician and naturalist Georg Everhard Rumphius in his work "D'Amboinsche Rarititeiten" published in 1705. The name "orangutan" comes from the Malay words "orang" (person) and "hutan" (forest), reflecting its significance in local culture.