The Batang Toru forests in north Sumatra, Indonesia, are experiencing an unconfirmed presence of Tapanuli orangutans following Cyclone Senyar, which impacted the region on November 25. Conservation workers have reported no sightings of the critically endangered species since the storm. This marks a shift from previous observations and has prompted investigations into the primates' status.
Observations and Discoveries
The absence of these apes has led to inquiries regarding their potential displacement by floods and landslides. A carcass, identified as potentially that of an orangutan, was discovered earlier this week in Pulo Pakkat village, central Tapanuli district, by humanitarian worker Deckey Chandra. Mr. Chandra, who has prior experience in Tapanuli orangutan conservation, noted the defaced condition of the remains. Conservationists in the region are examining photographic evidence of the carcass and have indicated it aligns with characteristics of a Tapanuli orangutan.
Species Information
The Tapanuli orangutan was formally recognized as a distinct species in 2017, distinguishing it from the Bornean and Sumatran orangutan species. Current estimates suggest fewer than 800 Tapanuli orangutans remain globally.
Cyclone Impact
Cyclone Senyar caused widespread damage across parts of Indonesia in late November, resulting in over 900 reported fatalities and numerous individuals still missing. Many villages in Sumatra sustained significant destruction. Professor Erik Meijaard, managing director of Borneo Futures, is conducting an analysis of the cyclone's environmental impact on orangutan habitats using satellite imagery. Preliminary observations indicate approximately 4,800 hectares of forest on mountain slopes show destruction from landslides, with an extrapolated figure of 7,200 hectares accounting for cloud cover in satellite images. Professor Meijaard estimates that these affected areas could have been inhabited by approximately 35 orangutans.
Expert Commentary
Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder of the Orangutan Information Centre, stated that the discovery of the carcass suggests some Tapanuli orangutans may have been unable to escape the floods and landslides that affected their habitat. Professor Meijaard, commenting on the carcass images, noted significant flesh removal from the face, which he attributed to the violent nature of the environmental destruction.