Different Kinds of Orangutans

The orangutan is a member of the great ape family and is closely related to humans. Two different species of orangutan exist -- the Bornean and Sumatran varieties. The two species became distinct from each other between 1.1 and 2.3 million years ago and are today distinctly different not just in range but in several physical ways.

  1. Description

    • The two orangutan species are similar in size and shape with the Sumatran being taller and more slender than the stockier Bornean species. Both grow to between 66 and 198 lbs. in weight, on average. The Bornean species grows to almost 5 feet in height and the Sumatran can reach almost 6 feet. The Bornean species has dark, reddish brown fur compared to the other species' cinnamon colored fur with hints of yellow around the face. The Sumatran orangutans have prominent facial hair, while the Bornean has barely any.

    Habitat and Range

    • The Bornean species lives in all but the most southeastern regions of the Island of Borneo. The Sumatran species lives only on the extreme northern tip of Sumatra and is considered critically endangered. Both species favor tropical forests close to or in wetland areas at elevations of up to 4,900 feet. They live mainly in the trees and are the world's largest tree-dwelling mammals. Both species build tree nests in which they sleep overnight or nap between meals.

    Diet and Predators

    • The two orangutan species are both mainly vegetarian, feeding on a variety of ripe tree fruits such as figs. Flowers, buds, bark and green leaves are also part of both species' diets during the dry season when fruit is scarce. The orangutans both eat small amounts of animal protein sometimes such as insects, small mammals and birds' eggs. The Bornean species, once in adulthood, only really has to worry about humans. While still young, large snakes and birds of prey are a threat. The Sumatran species are preyed upon by tigers and clouded leopards.

    Life Cycle

    • Both species are mainly solitary and generally meet only to breed. Mating generally occurs during the time of most fruit abundance, with females producing young every three to four years. Pregnancies in both types last between 227 to 275 days and between one and two babies are born. The mother is the sole caregiver for the babies. The babies stay with the mother for up to nine years and both species can live for around 50 years in the wild.