These fruit-loving primates, also known as frugivores, were once found on the whole island of Sumatra and even on the neighboring island of Java.
Their proportionally long arms and short legs covered with long, pale red hair are well-suited for their lifestyle above ground – in the canopies of the tropical rainforests – which is why they are considered arboreal. Sadly, their numbers are dwindling incredibly fast due to the destruction of their homes at the hands of dumb humans.
They can only be seen in the northern region of Sumatra Island, and some are in captivity as pets. This affects the population of the fruits they eat because as they eat various fruits, they poop out the seeds, then fall and scatter to the ground.
And yes, you guess that right, Sumatran orangutans are pollinators, much like the cute little bees and butterflies.
Distribution
Indonesia
Official estimate
Recent updates
July 2022: The oil palm and timber industries in Indonesia are posing a significant threat to orangutans, as revealed in a report from Aidenvironment. The document states that 6.22 million hectares (15.37 million acres) of orangutan habitat are located in corporate oil palm, logging, and industrial tree concessions.
Nov 2021: A new report has highlighted the need to safeguard Indonesia’s orangutans and the preservation of their habitat, pointing to the fact that these great apes are in grave danger. The Environmental Investigation Agency’s report shows that the Indonesian government has not done enough to protect the orangutans’ habitat, nor has it enforced existing wildlife laws to prevent the further decline of the three species. It is now more important than ever to take swift and effective action to protect these animals from extinction.
Did you know?
- Only orangutans suspected of being carnivorous.
- Have longer facial hair than Bornean orangutans.
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
