Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Family: Hominidae
Subfamily: Ponginae
Genus: Pongo
Species: P. pygmaeus, P. abelii
As stated above, there are 2 species of orangutan. They are considered primates or apes.
They differ from other apes in that they have longer arms than other species, twice as long as their legs, and have reddish hair, instead of the characteristically black hair other apes possess.
Adult males can be up to 5’9″ tall – taller than me, and weigh up to 260 lbs…Females are typically half as heavy and reach 4’2″ tall.
Orangutans are especially known for their great intelligence.
These apes live in trees, making them an arboreal species, living in rainforests natively in Malaysia and Indonesia.
However, they are only found in Borneo and Sumatra, where everyday, they make themselves a new nest to sleep in made of branches and leaves.
They are often “hermits” of sorts, coming together mainly only to mate…But, mothers stay with their babies until they are 6 or 7 yrs old.
Only “flanged” males have territories that they protect, which will not overlap with other flanged males land. It should be mentioned that any individual that is not flanged, male or female, will not have a territory.
What Does Flanged Mean?
Some males will develop face flaps of sorts on each side of their face like cheek pads, they’ll have longer hair, and a throat pouch.
The girls run after these males and want to be a part of their group. Although other males are able to mate, they must force themselves upon the females to do so.
Apparently, in Malaysian & Indonesian, orangutan means forest person. They look like forest people, don’t they?
What Do They Eat?
Mostly fruit…but they’ll also eat a little bit of this and a little bit of that including: birds eggs, insects, leaves, shoots, honey and a number of other nourishing foods, making them omnivorous.
Conservation Status:
The Sumatran Orangutan, as many apes, is Critically Endangered! The Bornean Orangutan is Endangered!
Why?
Mainly deforestation of their habitat and food source, and human development. Forest fires, logging and mining are among the main contributors to their demise, as well as growing other plants on plantations for commerce.
These aren’t the only problems. They are still being hunted for bushmeat and by poachers, not to mention illegal pet trade.
Scientists have predicted their extinction by 2012 due to these activities.
For more information on How to Help Save Orangutans – Check out The Orangutan Conservancy @ Orangutan.net
***
I hope you found this Primate post informational on Exotic Animal Lover! Until next time…
Live Exotically,
Kimberly Edwards 
P.S. Get your own computer wallpaper of a baby orangutan! Awww:
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Its so sad that I heard that Orangutan may be extinct in 2012!!!
Isn’t it, Carlo! Our planet and it’s animals are in such a state of peril right now.
It would be so sad that our children, and even us, will only be able to view orangutans in photos and video – never in person anymore if something doesn’t drastically change for them!
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. Hope to see you back around again soon,
Kimberly
This is soooo sad, Kimberly!
The orangutan is one of my very favorite animals – this would be such a horrendous thing for our planet and the generations to come.
Shame on us!
Kenney
im indonesian..and its so sad when i know that most of us just dont care about orangutans.this is hard to believe and so shame on us..the indonesians who keep silent and let the illegal logging keep continue….this is all about greedy human being…too sad..
Wow – amazing comment, chairani – if only more people felt the way you do and expressed it! Thank you so much for your thoughtful commentary!
Kimberly