Tapanuli Orangutan
Animal speciesAbout
The Tapanuli orangutan, scientifically known as Pongo tapanuliensis, is the third species of orangutan and was officially recognized in 2017. It is found exclusively in the Batang Toru Ecosystem of North Sumatra, Indonesia. This species is distinguished by its unique genetic, morphological, and behavioral characteristics. Tapanuli orangutans have frizzy hair and are physically closer to Sumatran orangutans but with distinct features such as smaller skulls and larger canines. Males are larger than females and have prominent facial features, including bushy mustaches and flat cheek pads. Tapanuli orangutans are critically endangered, with fewer than 800 individuals remaining in the wild. Their habitat is threatened by human activities like mining and dam construction. They live in high-altitude forests, typically above 850 meters, and are solitary animals except for mother-offspring pairs. The species is known for its slow breeding rate, with females giving birth at around 15 years of age. The Tapanuli orangutan's diet includes fruits, seeds, and insects, similar to other orangutans but with some unique plant species. Their long calls are distinct from those of other orangutans, adding to their unique identity.
