Pongo Tapanuliensis in Northern Sumatra

Researchers have announced the discovery of a new species of orangutan in the north of Sumatra Island. The Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is the first new addition in almost a century to the small club of great apes, joining its fellow Sumatran and Borneo orangutans.

The population of genetically and morphologically unique Tapanuli orangutans is estimated at fewer than 800 remaining individuals, concentrated in a small number of forest fragments totalling 1,000 sq.km in the districts of Central, North, and South Tapanuli. Their hilly habitat is threatened by industrial and agricultural development, including a proposed hydroelectric development which could impact up to eight percent of their remaining heartland, researchers said.