BORNEO ORANGUTAN
Pongo pygmaeus
DESCRIPTION
The Borneo orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is a large, arboreal primate native to the island of Borneo. It is known for its distinctive red fur and high intelligence, often using tools to aid in foraging.
FUN FACTS
- Borneo orangutans share about 97% of their DNA with humans | They are the most arboreal of all great apes | They can use tools, such as sticks, to extract insects from tree bark
QUICK INFO
Lifespan30-40 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
Average Weight50-100 kg
Average Length1.2-1.5 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social StructureSolitary, with females often caring for their young alone.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round
- Habitat
- They inhabit tropical rainforests, often found in lowland forests and swamps. Their arboreal lifestyle means they spend most of their time in trees.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- Borneo island, primarily in the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, as well as Brunei.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei
- Diet
- Borneo orangutans primarily eat fruits, leaves, and bark, with a particular preference for durian and figs. They are known to consume over 400 different food items.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- Fruits, especially durian and figs
- Social Structure
- Solitary, with females often caring for their young alone.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-3
- Territorial
- 0
50-100 kg
Weight
1.2-1.5 m
Length
- Coloration
- Reddish-brown fur with a lighter face and hands.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females, with more pronounced cheek pads.
- Lifespan
- 30-40 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 230 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 4-5 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round
CR
Critically Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is declining due to habitat loss and poaching.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 55,000-65,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include deforestation for palm oil plantations and illegal hunting. Habitat destruction is a significant factor in their declining numbers.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use their agility in trees to escape threats and can be aggressive if cornered.
- Found in Zoos
- Common