Physical Description
There are two orangutan species:
- Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii)
- Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
orangutans are the largest tree-climbing mammal and the only great ape found in Asia.
They have a characteristic ape-like shape, shaggy reddish fur and grasping hands and feet, with very long arms that may reach 2 m in length. Legs are relatively short and weak, but the hands and arms are powerful. Adult males are distinguished by their large size, throat pouch and cheek pads on either side of the face.
Orangutans travel about by moving from one tree to another, avoiding climbing down to the ground. The species moves on "all fours", with the clenched fist placed on the ground. At night they make a nest of vegetation to sleep in, with smaller ones made during the day to rest.
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.