Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)

Bornean orangutans thrive primarily in Southeast Asia's forest habitats. Found on the island of Borneo, they prefer living in swampy, hilly, and old-growth rainforests. Their environment varies significantly, from lowland swamps to dipterocarp forests.

Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii)

Sumatran orangutans reside in lowland forests, swamps, and mangroves of Indonesia's Sumatran island. Heavy logging has isolated them in fragmented forests.

Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis)

The Tapanuli orangutan holds residence in South Tapanuli on Sumatra, Indonesia's island. This group was recognized as a distinct species in 2017, thanks to a thorough phylogenetic study analyzing genetic samples and comparing the genomes of orangutans across Sumatra and Borneo2.

Orange oil

It's no surprise that this vitamin C-rich oil provides several skincare advantages when used topically. This oil may be used in various cosmetic products and claims to help skin seem brighter, smoother, and clearer.

In terms of health advantages, research has shown that orange may assist reduce anxiety and provide some pain relief. There are certain drawbacks to this bright and tangy citrus oil. If you apply it directly to your skin, you may experience redness and swelling. Avoid direct sunlight immediately after application.

Why International Orangutan Day Matters

International Orangutan Day highlights the direct effects of our actions on the gentle giants of the treetops. Their actual populations have dwindled over the past 60 years, with over half being lost largely due to the encroachment of the palm oil industry in their native habitats like Borneo and Sumatra. 

Worrying still, we have to consider that their numbers might be lower than what we know, with the rapid clearing of forests for palm oil plantations. This day serves as a call to action - to individuals, communities, and policymakers - to seriously address the dire situation these forest dwellers face in their homes.

By observing this day, we're reminded of the interplay of different life forms on our planet and why biodiversity matters for the health of our Earth.

Fun Facts about Orangutans

Orangutans are the world's largest arboreal mammals. They spend 90% of their time in trees, using their long arms to swing from branch to branch.
These red apes can use tools in the wild, such as sticks, to extract honey or insects from trees and learn sign language.
Female orangutans have the longest interbirth interval of any land mammal. Female orangutans give birth to one baby at a time and wait up to eight years between pregnancies.

Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)

Bornean orangutans thrive primarily in Southeast Asia's forest habitats. Found on the island of Borneo, they prefer living in swampy, hilly, and old-growth rainforests. Their environment varies significantly, from lowland swamps to dipterocarp forests.

Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii)

Sumatran orangutans reside in lowland forests, swamps, and mangroves of Indonesia's Sumatran island. Heavy logging has isolated them in fragmented forests.

Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis)

The Tapanuli orangutan holds residence in South Tapanuli on Sumatra, Indonesia's island. This group was recognized as a distinct species in 2017, thanks to a thorough phylogenetic study analyzing genetic samples and comparing the genomes of orangutans across Sumatra and Borneo2.

Three orangutan species exist in the world

Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) have a robust build and broad face, distinguishing them from their Sumatran and Tapanuli counterparts. These adaptations emerged to help them avoid predators and survive on different food sources. Bornean orangutans spend more time on the ground and have heavier bodies than other species.

Orangutans spend their lives in trees

As the largest tree-dwelling mammals on Earth, orangutans have mastered the trees. They move between branches to find food, shelter, and safety.

Orangutans are semi-solitary apes

Compared to other great apes like gorillas and chimps, orangutans prefer to live alone. For example, adult males mostly isolate themselves; they only interact with females during mating. Though they might cross paths with other orangutans from time to time, they don't last long. However, these apes, particularly mothers and their young, can still be social when needed.

Orangutans give birth to 1 baby every 8 to 9 years

Female orangutans usually give birth to just one offspring every 8-9 years. After delivery, orangutan infants undergo a protracted dependency period3.

Orangutans can solve complex problems

Thanks to observation and imitation, orangutans learn to use sticks to extract insects from tree bark. They poke and prod at the bark to remove the insects while avoiding injury