What to know about the Tapanuli orangutan

¿Do you want to meet the Tapanulli orangutan? You have come to the right place. Here we will explain more about this precious primate. Remember, also, that we are specialized in trips to view the animals of Sumatra. However, below we explain everything.

Expeditions to see orangutans

Our project focuses on the ethical traveler. We organize excursions, expeditions and trips in the Gunung Leuser National Park area. We are specifically in Tapanuli and Gunung Leuser.

In addition to the special trips we do with ethical clients, we can offer other experiences. For example, organizing a special expedition. We have specialized in Sumatran tigers. But you can also see orangutans in their natural spaces. We control this area very well. This is where our project grows day after day after years working in this part of the island.

The home of the Sumatran orangutans

Where can you see orangutans? The species is found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Currently, they can only be seen in Borneo and Sumatra. As you know, Sumatra is our home. Therefore, if you come, we will organize the trip you dream of. Of course, remember that the orangutan spends most of his life in the trees. They enjoy swinging and create their sleeping nests in the treetops. Keep this in mind, because it is not always easy to detect it.

Orangutan species

Today we find three unique species of orangutan. Borneo( pongo pygmaeus), North Sumatra ( pongo abeliis) and that of Tapanuli-Batang Toru ( pongo tapanulensis). They all differ slightly, although it is not a huge variation.

On the one hand, we find the species from Sumatra and Borneo. These are similar. Orangutans are hairy and have reddish fur.

On the other hand, we found that Sumatran orangutans have rather long facial hair. In addition, their behavior implies the creation of the closer social ties. Those from Borneo are not so sociable with each other.

The Bornean orangutan is believed to descend from the trees from time to time. It also bets on moving more on the ground. The one from Sumatra doesn't do it so much.

The threats

Unfortunately, the threats from orangutans are many and dangerous. In fact, they are not the only endangered Asian apes. The devastation of their habitats is accelerating the deforestation of their homes. It is due, among other reasons, to the cultivation of palm oil and agricultural work. Young orangutans are most at risk. It is because there are those who sell them with pets. Be that as it may, such activity is strictly prohibited. It is illegal and yet it is done. In fact, poachers steal babies from mothers, which causes the latter to almost always end up dying.

Orangutans in freedom

Unfortunately, there are fewer orangutans left in the wild every day. The one that suffers the most danger is that of Tapanuli. Currently, it is considered that the estimated population is already low of 800 specimens.

Fortunately, if you still want to see orangutans, you know that we can help you. You just have to contact us. We organize specialized and personalized trips to see this species in the Tapanuli area.

However, Sumatran orangutans are also critically endangered. It is estimated that there are less than 14,000 left on the island.

There is also a serious danger to the Bornean orangutan. Its critical state indicates that it is already below 105,000.

These figures may seem high. But they are not if one observes that a century ago it was believed that some 230,000 orangutans lived. Now, free in nature and protected, only half remains.

Orangutan life

The orangutan is a primate that lives a solitary life. It is true that young people are usually with their mothers until they are 8 years old.

Orangutan's food

Have you found it curious to know what orangutans eat? We will reveal this information. The diet consists mostly of fruit. Approximately 60% of what this primate eats is rich fresh fruit.

Among the fruits preferred by the orangutan we find figs. However, they also taste mangoes, lychees and mangosteens, which are very rich in substances that are positive for the body.

On the other hand, it is possible to observe the orangutan eating leaves and young shoots. And, in addition, you can add both insects and soil or tree bark to their diet.

It is not common, but orangutans have sometimes been seen eating eggs and small vertebrates.

Be that as it may, the orangutan also finds water in the holes in the trees. However, most of it is obtained from the fruit.

Help the orangutan from our project

Our project, now also focused on ecotourism, has been concerned with orangutan care for years. Since the 1970s in the last century, many projects have been born in this regard. Ours has too.

Our idea has always been to create sustainable societies. That's why we help in every way. We care for habitats, both for humans and other species. We ensure the well-being of orangutans, Sumatran tigers, etc. We try to stop the illegal trade in wildlife from the area, etc.

What makes orangutan mean?

This is something that goes for the orangutan of Tapanuli and of any other part of the world. Do you know what the word means? It is a term that comes from Malay. Today we can translate it as "man of the forest".

Tapanuli orangutan and trees

The orangutan is a primate with long, muscular and strong arms. These arms, together with its prehensile feet, allow it to climb trees. That is why it is considered an arboreal mammal; in fact, it is the largest in the world. It can be balanced from branch to branch. What's more, without trees, it couldn't survive.

Help protect the Tapanuli orangutan

¿Do you want to do more? Beyond practicing ecotourism, you can help protect the Tapanuli orangutan. This is what our project is, and many others who are committed to caring for this species of primate.

For all this, if you want to know more about the Tapanuli orangutan, ecotourism and other benefits that we offer, contact us.