The Sumatran orangutan is a species of orangutan found exclusively on the island of Sumatra, in Indonesia. They are almost exclusively found in trees, living high up in the tropical rainforests. Female Sumatran orangutans are almost never found on the ground, and males traverse very rarely. Sumatran orangutans are reported to be more social than their Bornean counterparts, largely as they tend to come together whilst feeding on fig trees.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Some populations of Sumatran orangutans have learned to make and use tools. This information is passed on through each generation.
- Due to increased availability, the Sumatran orangutan's diet consists more of pulpy fruits and figs compared to the Bornean orangutan's.
- The IUCN has labelled the Sumatran Orangutan as critically endangered.
- The Sumatran orangutan's scientific name is Pongo abelii.