Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How are Bornean orangutans different from Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans in geographic range?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
orangutan
Female orangutans (Pongo) have the longest breeding interval of any mammal, giving birth on average once every eight years.
The geographic ranges of the three orangutan species are distinct based on the islands they inhabit:
- Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus) are found across large portions of the island of Borneo.1
- Sumatran orangutans (P. abelii) and Tapanuli orangutans (P. tapanuliensis) are both restricted to the northern region of the island of Sumatra.1
While Bornean orangutans occupy a broader distribution across their respective island, the Sumatran and Tapanuli species have more limited ranges within northern Sumatra. All three species are currently classified as critically endangered due to significant habitat loss and other human-related threats.12