Orang-Utan

The Orangutan (the Malay term for “person of the forest”) inhabits the crown layer of Indonesia’s densest rainforests and only rarely descends to the forest floor. It regularly builds sleeping nests from twigs and small branches. Older males are characterized by their large cheek flaps. The diet of these apes is almost exclusively vegetarian. Primarily due to the demand for palm oil, which is used in numerous cosmetics products, the Orangutan’s habitat is increasingly subject to destruction. The Orangutan’s population is considered severely threatened.