Tapanuli Orangutan
Pongo tapanuliensis
Conservation Status
Critically EndangeredMammalia · Primates · Hominidae
About
The Tapanuli orangutan is a species of orangutan restricted to South Tapanuli in the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. It is one of three known living species of orangutan, alongside the Sumatran orangutan, found farther northwest on the island, and the Bornean orangutan. It was described as a distinct species in 2017. As of 2018, there are roughly 800 individuals of this species and it is currently on the critically endangered species list.
Fun Fact
The Tapanuli orangutan was only described as a new species in 2017, making it the most recently named great ape — fewer than 800 individuals survive in a single forest block in northern Sumatra.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Tropical montane forests
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
50-60 years
Threats
- Deforestation
- Poaching
- Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Habitat Fragmentation