World’s most endangered great ape fighting for survival years after being discovered

An orangutan discovered less than a decade ago faces being “wiped off the face of the Earth” as the world’s most endangered great ape fights for survival.

There are up to 800 of the shaggy, copper-coloured Tapanuli left in the world – and they are at risk because of a swathe of threats impacting their habitat on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Amanda Hurowitz, who leads the forest commodities work at Mighty Earth, said: “The Tapanuli orangutan was only discovered as a distinct species a few years ago, but due to deforestation and habitat loss, it’s already the world’s most endangered great ape with just a few hundred remaining in the wild.”

“After the devastating landslides and flooding in Sumatra last year, made worse by deforestation, it’s thought only 577 to 760 may be left, which scientists have said has ‘extinction-level’ impact for the species.”

More than 1,000 people died because of heavy rain, floods and landslides which ravaged parts of Indonesia in late November when Cyclone Senyar hit.

The species, which was only discovered in 2017, is confined strictly to the Batang Toru ecosystem in northern Sumatra.

This means the intense rainfall, flash floods and mudslides struck the heart of their only remaining habitat

Scientists believe up to 10% of the population, between 33 and 54 individuals, died because of the extreme weather event.

More surveys need to be done to assess the impact of the cyclone on the Tapanuli orangutan population, Mighty Earth said.

Ms Hurowitz added: “There must be greater protection for the Tapanuli and the Batang Toru ecosystem in Sumatra, the one place it calls home. We cannot let one of our closest relatives be wiped off the face of the Earth.”

The Indonesian government responded to the threats facing the animals by revoking the permits of 28 companies operating in the area over violation of environmental rules that exacerbated the impact of floods.

Campaigners have insisted that officials must block plans for a goldmine and hydropower dam in the region.

Ms Hurowitz added: “The expansion of mining and dam construction in this vulnerable rainforest habitat has left a great ape species, one of our closest relatives, on the brink of extinction. We don’t yet know how many Tapanuli orangutans are likely to be left, which is why there needs to be an International Union for Conservation of Nature-led survey to determine the impact of the flooding and landslides on the population.

“We urge president Prabowo to keep his promise and put a permanent stop to the threats looming not just for the Tapanuli orangutan, but for the shattered communities of Sumatra who have lost so much. In a year when a ‘Godzilla El Niño’ is predicted with more extreme weather for south-east Asia, protecting life in all its forms must come before any corporate interests.”