SPECIES: Bornean Orangutans
The bornean orangutan is larger than the sumatran orangutan, the other of the two species of orangutan. Bornean orangutans' coats are darker but they have less facial hair than the sumatran orangutan. Bornean orangutans have cheek flaps that protrude outwards further than the sumatran orangutan.
Bornean orangutans show more solitary behaviour than the sumatran orangutan.
The bornean orangutan was specific from the sumatran orangtuan around 1.5 million years ago, before the rising sea levels separated Borneo and Sumatra.
The bornean orangutan is endangered mainly due to the destruction of its natural habitat and poaching. Its numbers are now around 45,000.
There are three recognised subspecies of bornean orangutan, all of which are on the island of Borneo.
The subspecies are the northwest bornean orangutan, the central bornean orangutan and the northeast bornean orangutan. The regional distribution of these subspecies are detailed in the diagram below.
 |
Conservation status - Endangered
|
|
|
|
|
Gestation period - 38 weeks
