Rainforest Animals - Orangutan

Orangutan: Pongo pygmaeus - Borneo and Sumatra

IUCN Red List status: Endangered

Although probably once represented on the mainland of Asia, the orang-utan population of about 5000 is confined to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. While they are protected on both islands, the steady destruction of their forest territory poses a constant threat to their future.

The orang-utan is the second largest of the apes and the heaviest of all the tree-dwellers It is also the only great ape to be found outside Africa.

Heavily built, with a height of about four and a half feet and a weight of around 200lb, this ape is normally a rather lethargic mover. It has powerful arms and weak legs, and when on the ground it tends to use the arms as crutches, swinging the body along.

Despite their build and normally lethargic state, the orang-utans are capable of quite rapid movement should the need arise.

Seriously threatened, the orangutan needs full protection if it is going to survive.  To find out more visit these factsheets - Orangutan, Rainforests, Palm Oil.