Orangutans

Bornean

Sumatran

Facts

Weight: 66-198 pounds
Height: 4-5 feet
Lifespan: 50+ years
Habitats Tropical/subtropical, moist broad-leaf forests
Meaning of name: person of the forest

Differences

Location is a major difference between the two species of orangutans as well as where they spend their times. Another difference is that Sumatran orangutans have longer facial hair and tend to have closer social bonds than their Bornean counterparts.

New Species!

A new species of orangutan was found and announced in 2017. Tapanuli orangutan were discovered and identified using genetic sequencing. Currently there are 800 individuals in the wild.

Threats

All of the orangutans face the same threats. Habitat loss is a major issue with all species and majorly with Sumatran orangutans. Fires and palm oil farms are destroying forests at high rates. There is also a plan to build a road in the area and cause more damage. Other threats that the species face are illegal hunting and pet trade. Both of these threats cause animals to die and numbers to dwindle.

Why protect them?

Orangutans are worth protecting, just like all species in the world. In their habitats they play an important role in seed dispersal. When they eat fruits the seeds say in their system and the great apes will move and excrete them else where in the forest. The species is also an umbrella species. This means that if we protect them then we will protect an unknown number of plants and animals as well.

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History Collections

It is important to note that these specimens were collected in 1877 for historical records. This was a common practice for early naturalists. They did not have the technology to study the species in their natural habitats.