The Tapanuli orangutan[3] (Pongo tapanuliensis) is an orangutan species restricted to the southern Tapanuli on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.
- It is one of three (3) known orangutan species, along with the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), which is found further north-west of the island, and the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus).
- It was described as a distinct species in 2017. The three species of orangutans can be difficult to tell apart.
- These new orangutan species have striking orange fur covering their torsos and limbs. But, aside from their unique proportions, their faces and bodies are eerily similar to ours.
- Unusually long arms and stocky legs make them appear heavy and unbalanced. In their tree environment, however, they are impeccable acrobats.
- To a trained eye, Tapanuli orangutans have specific characteristics that set them apart from other species.
- For example, their smaller and differently shaped skulls were what initially prompted researchers to take a closer look at their genes and led to their distinction as a unique species.
- Tapanuli orangutans can be identified with the naked eye by their thicker, curlier fur. In addition, flanged male species have other distinguishing features.
- They grow a mustache and beard that Borneo and Sumatran orangutans do not have, and their cheeks are flatter and covered with a thin layer of blond hair.
