Sumatran orangutan

Pongo abelii

The orangutan (Indonesian for ‘forest man’) is the largest tree-dwelling great ape. No other living mammal of comparable body size is so well adapted to life in trees.

Red List

Critically Endangered

Breeding programme

The orangutan prefers to spend its time in the middle and lower storeys of the trees. It moves forward by swinging from branch to branch. Given its heavy body weight, this method of locomotion requires a great deal of effort. For this reason, the orangutan only covers short distances each day.

The males’ fur can grow up to 150 cm long. Along with their cheek pads and throat pouch, this is a clear distinguishing feature from the females. Orangutans are solitary and quiet creatures, which is why they are rarely seen in the wild.

Orangutans can spend a long time puzzling over a tricky task. They are highly focused and motivated precision engineers.

Taxonomy

Hominidae, orangutans (Pongo, 3 species)

Habitat

Rainforest up to 2,000 metres above sea level, swamp forest

Behaviour and ecology

mainly arboreal, rarely found on the ground; they make their sleeping nests at the forks of branches and in tree tops, rebuilding them every day

Social structure

females with their juveniles; where food is plentiful, small groups comprising several females may also be found; males are solitary, and their ranges overlap