An expert on Sumatran orangutans has confirmed that the pictures he saw of orangutans performing in a show in Kuala Lumpur were those of the endangered Sumatran variety.

Dr Ian Singleton, scientific director of the Switzerland-based Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme said photographs taken of orangutans during last month's show revealed that at least two were of the protected species.

"I saw photographs of four orangutans at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (where the show was held). At least two of them are definitely Sumatran orangutans. I also strongly suspect that the other two are (Sumatran) as well," he said in an email interview.

Sumatran orangutans ( pongo pygmaeus abelii ) have been recognised as 'critically endangered' under the 1973 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Commercial trade in these animals is prohibited.

Physical differences

Singleton also said he was able to distinguish Sumatran orangutans in the photographs from the Bornean variety, which are not in the same "critically endangered" category, by the colour of their hair, build and the rings around their eyes.

"The ones that are clearly Sumatrans have 'orangey' or golden hair, slender build, yellowy golden beards (albeit short as they are young animals) and virtually no remaining pink eye rings around the eyes," said Singleton, who is currently based in Medan, Indonesia.

"The Sumatrans are slimmer and more 'delicate' than the robust Borneans," he said further.

Last week, malaysiakini reported allegations that the Malacca-based A'Famosa resort was in possession of about eight Sumatran orangutans, some of which had recently been used in animal shows at the Bird Park

Wildlife Department's law and enforcement director Misliah Mohd Basir questioned these allegations and said DNA tests had to be conducted on the orangutans to determine whether or not they are of the Sumatran species or Bornean.

She said the department could not act on claims that the orangutans are of Sumatran origin based merely on such physical characteristics as the colour of their hair.

"The characteristics tend to change according to the natural conditions and diet. We have to confirm the species through DNA testing," she added.

Misliah did not disclose, however, when the tests could be conducted but alluded to the significant work involved in establishing a DNA profiling system as there was currently no such system in Malaysia or neighboring countries.

Hybrid animals

Commenting on this, Singleton said specialists would be able to distinguish between Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, but did not rule out DNA sampling as a way to confirm their judgement and convince the authorities.

"For people who are used to distinguishing between the two it is normally very easy. To anyone who is used to working with orangutans the physical differences are more than enough for us to know that at least these two are definitely Sumatrans," he added.

"However, if we want to convince the authorities in Malaysia and Indonesia of this then the DNA profiling is a sensible action," he added.

He expressed doubts, however, about the possibility that the orangutans featured in the photographs were hybrids.

"I think it very unlikely that these are hybrid animals. If they were, they would have to have been born in captivity, in an institution that keeps both species together," he said.

A'Famosa has not responded to numerous calls for comments on the matter.