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Devastating Cyclone Threatens Survival of Tapanuli Orangutans

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Tapanuli orangutan, discovered in 2017, is critically endangered and facing threats after Cyclone Senyar devastated Sumatra.
Wildlife experts report silence in the habitat with no sightings since November 25.
A carcass believed to be an orangutan was found in Pulo Pakkat village.
The cyclone killed over 900 people and destroyed 7,200 hectares of forest, increasing habitat loss and threatening fewer than 800 orangutans.

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Story summary

The Tapanuli orangutan, discovered in 2017, is critically endangered and facing threats after Cyclone Senyar devastated Sumatra.
Wildlife experts report silence in the habitat with no sightings since November 25.
A carcass believed to be an orangutan was found in Pulo Pakkat village.
The cyclone killed over 900 people and destroyed 7,200 hectares of forest, increasing habitat loss and threatening fewer than 800 orangutans.