Sumatran Orangutan
Pongo abelii
The orangutan belongs to the great apes, and as a forest-dweller it feels most at home among the treetops. Both species, Bornean Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) and Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelii) – the latter can be seen at the Zoo Berlin – are heavily endangered as their natural habitat is shrinking at an alarming pace.
Characteristics
- Origin
Asia, Indonesia, in the northwest of the island Sumatra (another species lives on Borneo)
- Habitat
tropical rainforest
- Diet
Leaves, flowers and fruit, for example durian, are their favourite food, occasionally also insects for protein.
- Status
On Borneo approx. 49,500
On Sumatra approx. 7,300
- Size
100 to 140 cm stand height
- Weight
40 - 100 kg
- Gestation period
8 - 9 months
- Achievable age
approx. 35 - 45 years in human care
Threat Categories of IUCN
Did you know that ...
...Sumatran orangutans are principally threatened by the deforestation of rainforests,
...the calls of grown males can be heard from up to 8 km away
...and they build a new sleeping nest amidst the treetops every single day?
