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.

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

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

Cyclone Senyar pushed the Tapanuli orangutan - of which there are fewer than 800 left in the wild - even closer to extinction.

Número representa 7% da população da espécie Pongo tapanuliensis, ameaçada de extinção

Severe rainfall in November 2025 on Indonesia’s Sumatra island killed an estimated 7% of the world’s rarest great ape species, the Tapanuli orangutan,...

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…

Environmental groups blame rapid deforestation for the devastating flood damage