At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The Tapanuli orangutan, described as a separate species only in 2017, is the rarest of the great apes. It is assessed as Critically Endangered.
It survives in a single isolated forest block with a very small population.
Range & habitat
A small area of forest in the Batang Toru region of northern Sumatra, Indonesia.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- A planned hydroelectric development in its range
- Killing and capture
Why it matters
The most recently described and rarest great ape, the Tapanuli orangutan is a flagship for protecting one small, irreplaceable Sumatran forest.
Described in 2017; one of the most range-restricted great apes, in the Batang Toru ecosystem of Sumatra.
Sources
Sources for Tapanuli Orangutan
- IUCN Red List — look up Tapanuli Orangutan (authoritative status)
- Smithsonian's National Zoo
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Tapanuli orangutan recognised?
It was described as a distinct species in 2017, making it the most recently named great ape — and immediately one of the rarest, with a very small population.
Why is the Tapanuli orangutan Critically Endangered?
Published assessments cite habitat loss and fragmentation, a planned hydroelectric project in its range, and killing or capture. See the IUCN Red List.
Last updated: