Apesorangutans

Apesorangutans, commonly called orangutans, are large primates in the genus Pongo. They are native to the tropical forests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. The three living species are the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), and the Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis), the latter recognized as a distinct species in 2017.

Physically, orangutans have long arms, a shaggy reddish-brown coat, and a strong, stocky build. Adult males develop cheek pads and large throat sacs. They are highly arboreal, spending most of their time in trees and moving through the canopy by arm over arm locomotion; when on the ground, they move cautiously. They are generally solitary, with social associations mainly between mothers and their offspring.

Diet is primarily fruit, supplemented by leaves, bark, and insects. They require large areas of forest and may travel long distances in search of food. Tool use has been observed in some populations, including using fallen branches to extract insects or to probe fruiting trees.

Reproduction is slow: gestation lasts about eight months. Females give birth to a single infant after a long interbirth interval of roughly seven to nine years. Offspring depend on their mothers for several years, and maturation is gradual.

Conservation status is critical for many populations. All three species face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, palm oil expansion, and fires, as well as hunting and illegal pet trade. The IUCN lists Pongo pygmaeus as Endangered, and both Pongo abelii and Pongo tapanuliensis as Critically Endangered. Conservation measures include protected forest reserves, habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and community-based land-use planning to reduce conflicts and promote sustainable practices.