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Orangutan

Orangutans are great apes in the genus *Pongo*, native to the tropical forests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Orangutans are great apes in the genus *Pongo*, native to the tropical forests of Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. There are three living species: the Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli orangutans. All three are listed as critically endangered, and orangutans are known for their arboreal lifestyle and high intelligence.

Taxonomy

Orangutans belong to the genus *Pongo* and are great apes rather than monkeys. Modern taxonomy recognizes three species: Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli orangutans.

Habitat and distribution

Orangutans are found naturally only in the forests of Borneo and Sumatra. They live in tropical rainforest, swamp forest, and other wooded habitats, spending most of their time in trees.

Diet and behaviour

Orangutans are mainly fruit eaters, but they also consume leaves, bark, flowers, insects, eggs, and other foods when fruit is less available. They are known for tool use, nest-building, and problem-solving abilities.

Conservation status

All three orangutan species are classified as critically endangered. Population declines are linked largely to habitat loss, deforestation, and other human pressures.

Key facts

  • Orangutans are the only great apes native to Asia.
  • The three living species are Bornean, Sumatran, and Tapanuli orangutans.
  • All three species are classified as critically endangered.
  • They eat mostly fruit, but their diet is varied and changes with seasonal food availability.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know orangutans through zoo conservation programs, wildlife education, and support for habitat-protection charities and international primate conservation efforts.

Frequently asked questions

What is an orangutan?
An orangutan is a great ape in the genus *Pongo*, native to Southeast Asia.
Where do orangutans live?
Orangutans live in the wild only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
How long do orangutans live?
They typically live about 30–40 years in the wild and can live into their 50s or 60s in captivity.
Are orangutans endangered?
Yes. All three living species are classified as critically endangered.
What do orangutans eat?
Their diet is mainly fruit, but they also eat leaves, bark, flowers, insects, eggs, and other plant foods.
How smart are orangutans?
Orangutans are considered highly intelligent great apes, known for tool use, problem-solving, and learning by observation.

References

  1. WWF UK — https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/orangutans
    Supports: Three species; wild range limited to Borneo and Sumatra; all species critically endangered; arboreal lifestyle.
  2. The Orangutan Project — https://www.theorangutanproject.org/about-orangutans/orangutan-facts/
    Supports: Great ape classification; intelligence; lifespan; three species and conservation status.
  3. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/orangutan-fact-sheet/
    Supports: Diet; habitat; lifespan in zoos; critically endangered status; species counts.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/orangutan
    Supports: Definition as genus *Pongo*; three species; habitat in Sumatra and Borneo; cognitive abilities.
  5. Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute — https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/orangutan
    Supports: Habitat; diet; arboreal behavior; conservation status; life expectancy details.