Quick answer
IUCN status: Critically EndangeredBornean orangutan at a glance
The Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is a mammal in the family Hominidae. Range in Indonesia: Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). Diet: mainly fruit and plant material; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Pongo pygmaeus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Orangutan Kalimantan |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Hominidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests, Freshwater Wetlands |
| Range | Endemic to Borneo |
| Diet | Mainly fruit and plant material |
| Rest | Nests in trees |
| IUCN status | Critically Endangered · WWF — Bornean orangutan |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 62 |
| Population estimate | About 70,000–100,000 individuals · Smithsonian's National Zoo — Orangutan |
| Body weight | Wild males 77–100 kg; wild females 36–54 kg (orangutans generally) · Smithsonian's National Zoo — Orangutan |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — mainly fruit (frugivore), plus leaves, bark and a few insects · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Observance days | Indonesian Primate Day (30 January); International Orangutan Day (19 August) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (11)
Kalimantan within Borneo
Pongo pygmaeus lives on Borneo, an island extending beyond Indonesian Kalimantan. BOS Foundation describes three subspecies with different distributions. Orangutan maps should distinguish biological and geographical boundaries; a place name or resemblance in a photograph alone cannot reliably establish a subspecies.
Evidence: BOS Foundation — Orangutan habitat ↗
Peat swamps are important forests
BOS identifies peat-swamp forest as important Bornean orangutan habitat. At Mawas in Central Kalimantan, its programme combines canal blocking, planting, patrols and fire work with communities. This example connects water management with forest protection; planting activity alone does not demonstrate recovery of an entire ecosystem.
Evidence: BOS Foundation — Orangutan habitat ↗ · BOS Foundation — Orangutan ecosystem conservation ↗
Learning to read behaviour
Orangutans make resting nests and communicate through varied sounds and movements. BOS explains that some calls can indicate discomfort. People should not interpret proximity or apparently calm movement as an invitation to interact. Good observation leaves the animal the choice to move away.
Evidence: BOS Foundation — Orangutan FAQs ↗
Rehabilitation and habitat protection
BOS explains that survival skills, disease or disability can prevent some rescued orangutans from being released. Those individuals still need long-term care. Distinguish animals in care, animals released and monitored wild populations when reading reports; the figures answer different questions and should not simply be added together.
Evidence: BOS Foundation — Sanctuary care and release limitations ↗
Helping through everyday choices
WWF and BOS describe forest loss and infant capture for trade among the threats. PanduanHewan recommends supporting programmes with verifiable outcomes and avoiding paid photographs involving contact. Compare the Sumatran and Tapanuli profiles to understand the three species without combining their distribution or population data.
Evidence: WWF — Bornean orangutan ↗ · BOS Foundation — Orangutan FAQs ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Bornean orangutan
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Hominidae |
| Genus | Pongo |
| Species | Pongo pygmaeus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Bornean orangutan
What is the scientific name of the Bornean orangutan?
The scientific name of the Bornean orangutan is Pongo pygmaeus, in the family Hominidae. In Indonesian it is called Orangutan Kalimantan.
What kind of animal is the Bornean orangutan?
The Bornean orangutan is a mammal in the family Hominidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a mainly fruit (frugivore), plus leaves, bark and a few insects.
Where does the Bornean orangutan live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the Bornean orangutan in: Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo).
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests, Freshwater Wetlands.
What does the Bornean orangutan eat?
Diet of the Bornean orangutan: mainly fruit and plant material. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the Bornean orangutan reproduce?
The Bornean orangutan reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Bornean orangutan nocturnal?
The cited source records the Bornean orangutan as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the Bornean orangutan?
Key features of the Bornean orangutan, from this guide’s sources: Body weight: Wild males 77–100 kg; wild females 36–54 kg (orangutans generally).
How big is the Bornean orangutan?
Body weight: Wild males 77–100 kg; wild females 36–54 kg (orangutans generally). Source: Smithsonian's National Zoo — Orangutan.
How large is the population of the Bornean orangutan?
About 70,000–100,000 individuals. Source: Smithsonian's National Zoo — Orangutan. Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.
What is the scientific classification of the Bornean orangutan?
Scientific classification of the Bornean orangutan: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Hominidae, genus Pongo, species Pongo pygmaeus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Bornean orangutan endangered?
Yes. The global conservation status of the Bornean orangutan: Critically Endangered. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: WWF — Bornean orangutan.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Bornean orangutan protected in Indonesia?
Is the Bornean orangutan protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 62).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Bornean orangutan be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Bornean orangutan is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- BOS Foundation — Orangutan habitat ↗
- BOS Foundation — Orangutan FAQs ↗
- WWF — Bornean orangutan ↗
- BOS Foundation — Orangutan ecosystem conservation ↗
- BOS Foundation — Sanctuary care and release limitations ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Smithsonian's National Zoo — Orangutan ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Related causes and news
Help from outside Indonesia
If you live outside Indonesia, you can support orangutan rehabilitation in East Kalimantan with World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network. PanduanHewan itself does not accept donations, and this invitation is not directed at people in Indonesia.
Further reading
Orangutan: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-orangutan/