Orangutans

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Picture source:
America Zoo

Orangutans are considered the largest arboreal animals. They are very intelligent and spend most of time in trees. Orangutans, as well as gorillas, chimpanzees, and Bonobos, are close relatives of man. They inhabit much of Southern Asia, yet are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

Orangutans - Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Pongo pygmaeus
Subspecies: Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus; Sumatran Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus abelii
Height: 3.5-4.5 feet
Weight: 110-200 pounds
Life Span: About 35 years in the wild.
Status: Endangered

Orangutans - Description

Called a "forest man," the Orangutan is close to humans in its characteristics. This large ape has a human-like face. The coat is long and coarse. It varies in color from red to orange and chocolate. A bare face is one of the most prominent Orangutan characteristics. It is bluish-black in adults and tends to be pinkish on the muzzle and the area around the eyes in the young.

There are two subspecies of the Orangutan: the Bornean and the Sumatran Orangutan. They are easily distinguished by appearance. Thus, a Bornean Orangutan male has fatty cheek flanges. The muzzle is round. A Sumatran male's face is long and oval. Besides, the subspecies has a prominent mustache and beard.

Orangutans have short legs. It has strong hands that are almost identical with their feet. Unlike their strong hands, the legs are weak. The Orangutan is well adapted for hanging on tree branches. But, sometimes, Orangutans are seen walking on the four "hands."