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
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