Tapanuli orangutans are critically endangered. Only 800 survive in the wild, making them the world’s
rarest great ape.
But their forests are under threat. These orangutans are found in just one small area of Indonesian jungle.
Carved up by
roads, dams and farmlands, their forests are rapidly disappearing. Unless we act fast, these magnificent apes
will
disappear from our planet forever.
Tapanuli orangutans in crisis
In 2017 , the announcement of a new orangutan species made headlines around the globe. With fewer than 800
individuals
remaining in the wild, the Tapanuli orangutan immediately became the world’s most endangered great ape species.
They are found only in Batang Toru forests of Sumatra in Indonesia . These forests also host many other rare and
threatened species, including Sumatran tigers, pangolins, sun bears and helmeted hornbills.
But Tapanuli orangutans face the very real and immediate threat of extinction. A new hydroelectric dam is being
constructed, slicing through the heart of their remaining forests. If the dam is built, the Batang Toru forests will be
devastated and the Tapanuli orangutan will be condemned to extinction.
We are working with other conservationists and independent experts, both in Indonesia and around the world, to
tackle
the threats facing this incredible species and their fragile habitat.
Your contribution will support our urgent work to protect all orangutans in Sumatra, including those threatened by the
new dam. With your generous help, we can ensure a brighter future for orangutans and their forests.
Read more here
