At least 7% of world’s rarest orangutans wiped out by four days of rain and mudslides

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Recent research indicates that around 7% of the world’s most endangered orangutans died following heavy rains and mudslides in Indonesia, but experts believe the actual number may be even higher.

As a huge orangutan fan, I was so excited when the Tapanuli orangutan was officially recognized as a separate species back in 2017. But they’re also the rarest ape in the world – there are less than 800 left! It was devastating to hear about Cyclone Senyar hitting them in November 2025. Sadly, at least 58 of these incredible animals were killed, which is a huge loss for such a tiny population.

The cyclone, which also killed over 1,000 people, tore through the West Block of the Batang Toru ecosystem in Indonesia, which is the orangutan’s largest habitat area.

58 orangutans killed is a “conservative” estimate

Professor Erik Meijaard, who led the study, initially reported about 35 orangutans were killed. That number has now increased to at least 58.

The study doesn’t account for other possible causes of death, like damage from heavy rain or a lack of food, which means the estimated number of deaths is likely lower than the actual number.

It’s just heartbreaking to think about what happens when big landslides rip through the orangutans’ forest home. As Meijaard explained, even the strongest orangutans wouldn’t stand a chance if a large area of forest just collapsed. He said it must have been absolutely terrifying for them – a real nightmare situation.

landslide following cyclone senyar
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Although Cyclone Senyar was unusual, the region remains vulnerable to the effects of climate change and increasingly heavy rainfall, and these conditions are expected to persist.

Scientists estimate that the Tapanuli orangutan population is declining so rapidly – losing more than 1% each year – that they could become extinct if this trend continues.

Researchers believe the first extinction of a great ape species in modern times can still be avoided. Their findings suggest this requires better protection within the ape’s home country, planning that addresses climate change, and increased financial and technical support from around the world.

Good news! Scientists have recently discovered a tiny, incredibly cute new species of octopus – it’s about the size of a golf ball.

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2026-06-11 15:52