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Sumatran Orangutan
Close relative in dire straits
Common Name: Sumatran orangutan;Orangoutan de Sumatra (Fr);Orangután de Sumatra (Sp)
Scientific Name: Pongo abelii
Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Location: Northern Sumatra
Population: Approximately 7,500 individuals in the wild
Background
© WWF / Peter HOFLAND
The Sumatran orangutan is the most endangered of the two orangutan species, and differs from its Borneo relative to some extents in appearance and behaviour. Found only in the northern and western provinces of Sumatra, Indonesia, the species is losing fast its natural habitat to agriculture and human settlements.
Physical Description
As opposed to the Bornean orangutan, the Sumatran species has long facial hair.
Size
Body length is about 1.25-1.5 m. Adults weigh 30 to 50 kg for females and 50-90 kg for males.
Colour
The fur is reddish brown in colour.
Habitat
Major habitat type
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan
Range States
Indonesia
Geographical Location
Northern Sumatra
Ecological Region
Sumatran Islands Lowland and Montane Forests, Sundaland Rivers and Swamps
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
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Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
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Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
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Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
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Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
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