Introduction to Orangutan Orangutan, a species of anthropoid
(manlike) ape. Orangutans are related to gorillas, chimpanzees,
and gibbons. They are found in tropical rain forests of the
islands of Sumatra and Borneo. (Their name comes from the
Malayan for "man of the woods.") An adult male is about 4 feet
(1.4 m) tall when standing erect, and weighs up to 200 pounds
(90 kg). The female is smaller and weighs about 90 pounds (40
kg). The orangutan has a sloping forehead; small, rounded ears;
a short, stout body; and short legs. It has no tail. It is
covered with red or reddish-brown brown shaggy hair. There are
bald patches on the forehead and shoulders, and around the
mouth. Old males have protruding areas of skin on their cheeks,
which make their faces appear broad.The orangutan has long arms,
small ears, a stout body, and short legs. Orangutans spend most
of their lives in trees. They use their long, powerful arms to
swing from one branch to another. Their thumbs and big toes are
opposable, allowing them to g