Mongabay · Climate & nature

Tapanuli Orangutan Habitat Threatened

The critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan faces ongoing threats to its habitat in North Sumatra. Nearly a year after severe landslides, there is no recovery plan, while mining operations continue and wildfire risks increase.

New ground disturbances are visible in the orangutan's habitat, coinciding with gold mine expansion. Environmental groups claim these are landslides from mine development, a claim disputed by the mining company. This follows a 2025 storm that caused landslides, potentially killing 58 orangutans and damaging over 8,300 hectares of forest.

Scientists worry about the cumulative impact on the orangutan's fragmented habitat. High mortality rates and destabilized slopes pose significant risks to the species' long-term survival.

The mining company disputes storm-related orangutan mortality figures. Their monitoring found no deaths in surveyed areas, but a portion of their preservation zone is inaccessible, leaving some orangutan statuses unconfirmed.

Despite an ongoing environmental audit, the gold mine has resumed operations. The audit, expected soon, will recommend future environmental management but won't assign blame for the disaster.

The mining company plans to develop a new open-pit mine, the TUA pit, in a key biodiversity area, despite recent disturbances and incomplete post-disaster monitoring.

Beyond landslides and mining, an El Niño event increases wildfire risks. Damaged forests are more susceptible to fire, raising concerns for the already degraded ecosystem and orangutan habitat.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.