JAKARTA: Landslides driven by climate change in Sumatra, Indonesia last year alone wiped out 7 percent of the Tapanuli orangutan population, new research shows, as scientists warn of an increased risk of extinction for one of the world’s rarest great apes. Cyclone Senyar ravaged northern Sumatra in November, causing catastrophic floods and landslides that killed more than 1,200 people and damaged more than 180,000 houses in three provinces, with environmental groups blaming the extent of the damage on rapid deforestation.

At least 58 of the rare primates perished in the disaster

Critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan population falls after extreme weather – fuelled by climate crisis – in North Sumatra