How did Cyclone Senyar affect orangutan habitats in Indonesia?

Cyclone Senyar caused heavy rains, leading to landslides that destroyed approximately 7,200 hectares of primary forest, a critical habitat for orangutans.

Are Tapanuli orangutans endangered by Indonesian disasters?

Yes, conservationists fear that the rare Tapanuli orangutan species, discovered in 2017, may have been wiped out by the recent landslides.

What is the human death toll from Cyclone Senyar in Indonesia?

More than 900 people have died as a result of the heavy rain, floods, and landslides caused by Cyclone Senyar since late November.

Home / Environment / Orangutan Graveyard: Cyclone Devastation Hits Rare Apes

Orangutan Graveyard: Cyclone Devastation Hits Rare Apes

12 Dec

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Summary

Landslides destroyed 7,200 hectares of primary forest habitat.
Conservationists believe Tapanuli orangutans, a rare species, perished.
Over 900 people have died from floods and landslides since late November.

Orangutan Graveyard: Cyclone Devastation Hits Rare Apes

Recent heavy rains and landslides, following Cyclone Senyar's late November landfall, have devastated parts of Indonesia, creating what is being called an orangutan graveyard. An estimated 7,200 hectares of primary forest habitat on mountain slopes have been completely destroyed by the violent events.

Conservationists are gravely concerned for the critically endangered Tapanuli orangutan, a species only identified in 2017. Preliminary observations suggest that up to 35 of these rare primates may have perished due to the extreme destruction of their habitat, a significant blow to their fragile population.

The natural disaster has also resulted in over 900 human fatalities, with hundreds still missing and numerous villages in Sumatra completely destroyed. The ongoing devastation highlights the severe impact of extreme weather events on both wildlife and human populations.