Orangutans can be found residing primarily in the lowland swamp forests, peat-swamps, dipterocarp forests on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.

Source: Orangutan Foundation UK

High densities of orangutans are usually found in mixed habitats such as lowland swamp forests that are abundant in supplies of food all year round.

Located directly behind the coastline and extending inland along the lower reaches of the main river systems, peat swamps sustains medium-densities of orangutans.

On the other hand, dipterocarp forests are only able to sustain low densities of orangutans due to its unstable availability of fruits crops. These forests are situated on dry land just above sea level, up to an altitude of approximately 900 metres. They are made up of large trees belonging to the Dipterocarpaceae family, which are highly valued timber resources.

In general, Sumatran orangutans are less commonly found in higher elevations where tree diversity is much lesser, while its Bornean relatives are not found in elevations higher than 1000 metres.

Since orangutans are only inhabitants of these few places, and because of their reliance on trees, they are exceptionally vulnerable to logging in these areas. Sadly, deforestation and other human activities have threatened the orangutans with extinction.

Source: Orangutan Foundation UK

Source: Orangutan Foundation UK