tapanuli orangutan for 14 December 2025

Tapanuli Orangutan Latest News

Scientists fear that Cyclone Senyar may have swept away a significant number of Tapanuli orangutans.

About Tapanuli Orangutan

• The Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is a species of orangutan found in the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.
• It is one of three known 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 and currently, it is on the critically endangered species list.
• Appearance: These species resemble Sumatran orangutans more than Bornean orangutans in body build and fur color.
• Distribution: It lives in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests that are located south of Lake Toba in Sumatra.
• Habitat: These are exclusively arboreal and spend most of their time high up in the trees. 
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically endangered 

Characteristics of Tapanuli Orangutan

• They lead a solitary life and can be seen in pairs only when a mother is raising her young.
• Orangutans communicate with various sounds.
• Both sexes will try to intimidate conspecifics with a series of low guttural noises known collectively as the "rolling call".
• Diet: They are omnivores.
• Reproduction: Tapanuli orangutans are one of the most slowly-maturing animals in the world.

Source: DTE