№ 64 of 100
Tapanuli Orangutan
Pongo tapanuliensis
Described in 2017 as the first new great ape in 90 years, they instantly became the most endangered great ape on Earth.
- Range
- Indonesia
- Region
- Asia
- Habitat
- Batang Toru montane forest, North Sumatra — a range smaller than London
The story
The Tapanuli orangutan exists only in the Batang Toru forest, where a hydroelectric dam threatens the corridor linking their three subpopulations. Scientists and NGOs continue to contest the project while community forest agreements shore up the edges of their tiny mountain realm.
What's killing them
- Hydropower dam in core habitat
- Gold mining and agriculture
- Range split into three fragments
Who's fighting for them
Re:wildRe:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation
WWFWorld Wide Fund for Nature
IUCN Red ListInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission
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Quick answers
How many Tapanuli Orangutans are left in the world?
Approximately ~800. The Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Tapanuli Orangutan live?
The Tapanuli Orangutan is found in Indonesia (Asia). Their habitat: Batang Toru montane forest, North Sumatra — a range smaller than London.
Why is the Tapanuli Orangutan endangered?
The main threats to the Tapanuli Orangutan are: Hydropower dam in core habitat; Gold mining and agriculture; Range split into three fragments.
Who is working to save the Tapanuli Orangutan?
Organisations working on Tapanuli Orangutan conservation include Re:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation; World Wide Fund for Nature; International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission.