Orangutans are the largest tree-dwelling animals on Earth and share approximately 97% of their DNA with humans. Found only on Borneo and Sumatra, these great apes are critically threatened by habitat loss from palm oil plantations and logging. They are remarkably intelligent — orangutans have been observed making and using tools, constructing elaborate sleeping platforms nightly, and even practicing rudimentary medicine using plant compounds.
About the Orangutan
Pongo pygmaeus
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Orangutans construct a new sleeping nest in the tree canopy every single night, engineering platforms of woven branches.
They are the slowest reproducers of any land mammal — females give birth only once every 7–9 years.
Orangutans have been observed applying chewed Akar Kuning plant to sore spots on their skin, suggesting self-medication.
Adult male Bornean orangutans develop large cheek flanges (pads) that amplify their long calls heard up to 2 km away.
They share ~97% of their DNA with humans, making them our third-closest living relative after chimpanzees and bonobos.
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