The orangutan (or Pongo pygmaeus) is native to the island of Borneo, their range also spanning areas of Bornean Indonesia and Malaysia. They are large apes identifiable by their red fur and brown skin, while mature males also have distinct, large cheek pads and throat pouches used for making loud vocalizations to attract females. They are incredibly intelligent animals and have been observed creating and using tools in the wild to acquire food. However, they cannot swim and their range is often limited by rivers that they cannot cross in the wild.
Latin Name
Pongo pygmaeus
Featured
false
Slug
bornean-orangutan
Site
Thumbnail
Image
Conservation Status
Animal Category
Region
Animal Facts
Orangutans are the only great ape species that do not live in Africa.
Orangutan means 'person of the forest' in Malay and Indonesian, they are 7-times stronger than humans.
Orangutans are the largest tree-dwelling animal in the world.
Orangutans are the only ape species that live solitarily.
Orangutans use tools with their mouths, unlike gorillas and chimps that use their hands.