Bornean Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus
Description
The head and body of the Bornean Orangutan are 4.5 to 5.5 feet long. The arm-spread is approximately 8.25 feet with females weighing up to 143 pounds and males weighing up to 317 pounds. They are the largest tree-dwelling mammal, and the only great ape living in Asia. The legs are relatively short and weak while the arms are long and powerful. Orangutans are primarily diurnal and arboreal.
While not as social as other apes, they may congregate when fruit is abundant. They construct nests high in the trees for sleeping, which are usually only used once. Smaller nests may be made for daytime rests. Orangutans use leafy branches held over their heads or large leaves draped over their head and shoulders as protection from both rain and sun. Tool use among fully wild orangutans does not compare with that of chimpanzees. Adult males spend over 90% of their time on their own. The interval between births is generally 3-4 years, though it can be as much as 8. Mothers look after their young for up to 8 years.
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Range
The range of the Bornean Orangutan is Borneo.
Habitat
The Bornean Orangutan inhabits Primary forest.
Gestation
Gestation is 260-270 days.
Litter
1
Behavior
Orangutans are primarily diurnal and arboreal. While not as social as other apes, they may congregate when fruit is abundant. They construct nests high in the trees for sleeping, which are usually only used once. Smaller nests may be made for daytime rests. Orangutans use leafy branches held over their heads or large leaves draped over their head and shoulders as protection from both rain and sun. Tool use among fully wild orangutans does not compare with that of chimpanzees. They have been known to untie complex knots to untie boats and rafts, using them to cross rivers. Adult males spend over 90% of their time on their own. More than half of an orangutan’s feeding time is spent eating fruit, with wild figs and durians being favorites.
Reproduction
Orangutan adults of opposite sexes only come together briefly during courtship. Males prefer mature females, and females prefer dominant males. Choice of male is the female's prerogative. The estrous cycle is 30 days. The young clings to the ventral surface of the mother for about a year and may still ride on the mother at 2.5 years. Weaning is usually complete at 3.5 years. The interval between births is generally 3-4 years, though it can be as much as 8. Mothers look after their young for up to 8 years. Males are not physically or socially mature until 13-15 years of age, hence do not breed earlier than this.
Diet (Wild)
Fruits (wild figs & durians are favorites), vegetation, insects and, perhaps, small vertebrates and birds eggs
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Primary Threats
Human Wildlife Coexistence, Climate Change
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