Four days of rain slashed population of world's rarest orangutans, study says
A new study reveals that extreme rainfall and landslides caused by Cyclone Senyar in late 2025 killed at least 58 critically endangered Tapanuli orangutans. This loss represents a significant blow to the species, which has a total population of fewer than 800.
Why it matters
The event highlights the direct and devastating impact of extreme weather events on biodiversity and the survival of endangered species.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Gavin Butler Getty Images The rare Tapanuli orangutan was only discovered in 2017 - but researchers fear it could be headed for extinction Four days of extreme rain and landslides in the Indonesian island of Sumatra have pushed the world s most endangered great apes even closer to extinction, says a study.
The article relies on scientific study findings and expert estimates to report on environmental damage.
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