Forest loss, wildfires in Indonesia put orangutans at high extinction risk
Orangutan populations are at a higher risk of extinction amid soaring forest loss and raging wildfires across key habitats in Sumatra and Kalimantan, as the world struggles to keep up with the global target of halting biodiversity loss by 2030. In a joint report published on Oct 24, environmental groups Mighty Earth and Satya Bumi issued a “red code” warning for the Tapanuli orangutan, often…
Deforestation, fires in Indonesia endanger orangutans with high extinction risk as world battles to meet 2030 biodiversity loss target. Joint report warns of dire situation for Tapanuli orangutan, considered world's rarest great ape. Species endemic to fragmented forests of Batang Toru ecosystem, South Tapanuli regency, North Sumatra.
At least 58 individuals killed in 2025 cyclone-induced floods and landslides, leaving only 658 Tapanuli orangutans remaining in the wild. Damage to forest in western Batang Toru ecosystem, largest of three forest blocks inhabited by orangutans, exceeds 8,300 hectares. Enforcement of moratorium on industrial expansion, smallholder agriculture and small-scale logging vital in saving species, say environmental groups Mighty Earth and Satya Bumi.
Limiting business may enable recovery plan, including restoration of fragmented rainforest canopy. President Prabowo Subianto suspends business permits for 28 companies for alleged environmental breaches that exacerbated disaster, including Martabe gold mine and Batang Toru hydropower plant. Both companies resume operations after meeting environmental compliance and paying fines.
Concerns over orangutan populations arise as Indonesia grapples with raging wildfires threatening critically endangered Bornean orangutans, with at least 290 rescued from multiple scenes. IUCN warns 52% of Bornean orangutan population affected by fires, including those in national parks. Global goal of halting biodiversity loss by 2030 under scrutiny as UN biodiversity talks (COP17) gather in Yerevan, Armenia.
World off track to meet 30% land and ocean conservation target by 2030, despite 60% of 196 CBD signatories having national biodiversity strategies and action plans. Indonesia ranks 168 out of 177 countries assessed for conservation and environmental policies by Yale University. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges leaders to act more quickly and decisively to "make peace with nature."
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
