3 Types of Orangutans in Indonesia, All Threatened with Extinction!

KALIMANTAN – In Indonesia, there are three known species of orangutan, each with unique habitats and characteristics.

Unfortunately, all three species are in threatened conservation status, requiring serious attention and conservation efforts to ensure their survival.

The following is an explanation of the three species of orangutans in Indonesia:

1. Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii)

Sumatran orangutans are only found on the island of Sumatra, especially in the northern part of the island, such as in the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra. They are known for their smaller bodies and more oval faces compared to Bornean orangutans.

Characteristics: Smaller body, oval face, and longer and brighter hair. Has bright red hair, body size can reach 1.7 meters, and weight can reach 90 kg.

Habitat: Tropical rainforests in Sumatra, especially in the Leuser forest area.

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered according to IUCN.

2. Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)

Bornean orangutans are distributed on the island of Borneo, which covers the territory of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. This species is divided into three subspecies based on its geographical distribution in Borneo.

Characteristics: Larger body, wider face, and darker and shorter hair. Has darker and duller hair than the Sumatran orangutan.

Habitat: Tropical rainforests in Kalimantan, including Tanjung Puting and Kutai National Parks.

Conservation Status: Endangered according to IUCN.

3. Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis)

The Tapanuli orangutan is the most recently identified species and is found only in the Batang Toru region of North Sumatra. It was recognized as a separate species in 2017.

Characteristics: Has a smaller and lighter body compared to the Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, with a smaller skull and different facial hair. Its face is smaller, flatter, and wider, and its hair is thicker than that of the Sumatran orangutan.

Habitat: Tropical rainforest in the Batang Toru Ecosystem, North Sumatra.

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered according to IUCN.

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