OVERVIEW
The Bornean orangutan is a species of orangutan that is natively found in the island of Borneo. They are different in appearance to the Sumatran orangutan, having a broader face and shorter beard, in addition to being overall darker in color. Three subspecies are recognized regionally:
- The northwest Bornean orangutan is the first and most threatened subspecies. Their habitat has been significantly damaged by logging and hunting, leaving only 1,500 individuals. Many habitats are in patches or fragmented.
- The northeast Bornean orangutan is the smallest in size and is often found in Sabah and eastern Kalimantan.
- The central Bornean orangutan is the subspecies with the most individuals, at 35,000 in the wild.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Bornean orangutans will often make use of tools in their daily activities. They can use branches to test water depth or poke termite holes, and they'll often utilize leaves as umbrellas, sponges, or napkins.
- Similar to humans, baby orangutans cry, whimper, and smile at their mothers.
- Male Bornean orangutans are largely solitary, only socializing with females during the mating process and even then, only temporarily. To initiate the process, males will send out a "Long Call", which can be heard from up to 3 km away.
- Female Bornean orangutans will only be receptive to mating if the male has developed cheekpads, which usually occurs when the male reaches his 20s.
- The Bornean orangutan's scientific name is Pongo pygmaeus.
- The IUCN has classified the Bornean orangutan as endangered.
