Where Do Orangutans Live?

Orangutans are the largest arboreal mammals which spend their time mostly on trees. They are the species of great ape, scientifically known as Pongo. Orangutans are highly intelligent apes that share 96% of genes of human beings. The mighty arms of an orangutan can stretch up to 7 feet; these long arms and grasping hands and feet allow them to move through branches. Orangutans are known for their reddish-brown hair that make them distinctive from gorillas and chimpanzees. Orangutans have a bulky and robust body, thick neck, short bowed legs with no tail.

Where do orangutans live?

These great apes are native to Indonesia and Malaysia, in the Malay language, the meaning of orangutans is “man of the forests.” These species reside in solitary existence. Orang-utans mainly live in the peat swamp forests in mountainous lowland swampy areas.

How much does an orangutan weigh?

The average weight of a male orangutan is 165 pounds. While a female orangutan will weigh up to 82 pounds, male orangutans can stand tall to 4 feet and 6 inches, whereas a female can stand 3 feet and 9 inches.

Orang-utans Lifespan:

The average lifespan of an orangutan is 30 years, both in wild and captivity. 

Bornean Orangutan:

The Bornean orangutan is the only apes native to the island of boreno in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak along with the Indonesian provinces of north, east, west, and Central Kalimantan. These species are known for their red-orange hair. Male Bornean orangutans can weigh up to 200 pounds, they are about 4.5 tall and can stretch their arms as long as 8 feet. Whereas females can weigh up to 110 pounds, females are 2.6 feet tall. The scientific name of Bornean orangutans is Pongo pygmaeus. 

Bornean Orangutan Facts:

• The diet of a Bornean orangutan includes 60% fruits, and another plant material comprises leaves, flowers, bark, and nuts.
• The life span of these species is up to 50 years.
• Although they can walk, they travel by swinging from one branch to another. Orangutans are unable to swim, so during the rainy and summer season, these species shelter themselves by holding leafy branches over their heads.
• Female orangutans gave birth once every eight years, and the toddler stays with the mother until they haven’t learned the necessary skills to survive.
• The loud howl of an orangutan can be heard for miles. The males usually make this sound so that they can stay out of each other’s territory. 

Bornean Orangutan Population: 

Bornean orangutans are listed critically endangered according to IUCN, they have been restricted to the island of Borneo. The population of Bornean orangutan is estimated to be 14% less than what it was in the past. The estimated population of Bornean orangutans is about 104700. 

Orangutan Endangered:

Orangutans are classified as critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The reasons behind their declined population is the increasing rate of deforestation, logging, fire, poaching and palm oil plantation. Orangutans are arboreal mammals which spend their life on trees, so logging is the biggest problem for these species. Combustion is initiated to clear the land for the growth of farming and palm oil plantation, the smoke from the fire baffle them to death. Orangutans are classified as critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The reasons behind their declined population is the increasing rate of deforestation, logging, fire, poaching and palm oil plantation. Orangutans are arboreal mammals which spend their life on trees, so logging is the biggest problem for these species. Combustion is initiated to clear the land for the growth of farming and palm oil plantation, the smoke from the fire baffle them to death. One-tenth of Indonesia’s earning is dependent on the export of palm oil; because it is used in the packaged foods, deodorants, soaps, shampoos, etc. for the plantation of palm oil, forests are cut down which leads to suffering orangutans in the habitat loss. These species are poached and hunted for their meat, baby orangutans are sold in the black market, and the mother orangutan is killed.

Where Are Orangutans Located:

One-tenth of Indonesia’s earning is dependent on the export of palm oil; because it is used in the packaged foods, deodorants, soaps, shampoos, etc. for the plantation of palm oil, forests are cut down which leads to suffering orangutans in the habitat loss. These species are poached and hunted for their meat, baby orangutans are sold in the black market, and the mother orangutan is killed.