Orangutans belong to a single species known as Pongo pygmaeus categorized into two subspecies: P. p. pygmaeus of Borneo, and P. p. abelii of Sumatra. Orangutans have specialized upper limbs adapted for suspensory locomotion but are quadrupeds when on the ground. Standing 1.25-1.5 m (4 - 5 ft) tall, Orangutans have an arm span of about 2.25 m (7.4 ft). Adult males weigh 50-90 kg (110 - 198 lbs) and adult females 30-50 kg (66 - 110 lbs). They have bulging foreheads, protruding snouts, thin lips, and small ears. Orangutans have coarse, thin coats brownish-red in color, though P. p. abelii has slightly lighter coloring. Primarily frugivores, Orangutans also consume leaves, bark, and bird's eggs.
Adult Male Orangutan
Information about the specimen.:
Species Name:
Pongo abelii
Taxon:
Orangutan
Specimen Collector:
W.L. Abbott
Specimen Id:
USNM 143593/49859 and USNM 39528
Collected Date:
January 23, 1906
Sex:
male
Age:
adult
Collection Location:
Aru Bay, Sumatra, Indonesia
Common Name:
Orangutan
Donor:
Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History
Display Order:
120
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