Orangutan

Orangutans are great apes native to Indonesia and Malaysia. They are found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra, but their populations are rapidly decreasing due to deforestation and human activities.

Taxonomy and phylogeny

Orangutans are the only surviving species of the subfamily Ponginae, which also included several other species, such as the three extinct species of the genus Pongo. The ancestors of the Ponginae subfamily split from the main ape line in Africa 16 to 19 million years ago (mya) and spread into Asia.

Anatomy and physiology

Orangutans are the most arboreal of the great apes, spending nearly all their time in the trees. Every night they fashion sleeping nests from branches and foliage. They are more solitary than other apes; males and females generally come together only to mate.

Behavior and ecology

Orangutans are among the most intelligent primates. They use a variety of sophisticated tools and construct elaborate sleeping nests each night from branches and foliage. The apes have been extensively studied for their learning abilities. There may even be distinctive cultures within populations.

Conservation

Orangutans are currently only found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Classified in the genus Pongo, orangutans were originally considered to be one species. However, since 1996, they have been divided into two species: the Bornean orangutan (P. pygmaeus) and the Sumatran orangutan (P. abelii).

See also

• Great ape personhood
• Orangutan conservation
• Palm oil production in Indonesia

External links

• Orangutan Foundation International
• Sumatran Orangutan Society

Orangutan Resources
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