A new species of primate? Scientists say “yes!” They have found an unusual population of orangutans on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. But if the apes’ numbers don’t grow, the frizzy-haired mammal could become extinct.
The discovery is the first new great ape species identified in nearly 90 years. Previously, science recognized six great apes. They are the Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, eastern and western gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos.
The new species, Pongo tapanuliensis, is named for the Tapanuli districts of Northern Sumatra. The apes live in about 400 square miles of the Batang Toru forest there. A study published in the journal Current Biology reports a small population, though. There are no more than 800 of the primates in existence.
Researcher Erik Meijaard found the orangutans during a field survey in 1997. But it wasn’t until 2013 that scientists realized how unique the Tapanuli population was.
Scientists collected genetic samples from 37 orangutans. They also studied the skeleton of a male Tapanuli orangutan that had been killed by villagers. The apes had frizzier hair, smaller heads, and differing diets from other known species. Tapanuli orangutans eat caterpillars (eww) and pinecones (ouch). Sumatran and Bornean orangutans eat leaves, fruit, and sometimes insects and meat.
The male Tapanuli’s call is also longer than the Bornean orangutan’s. And it is higher-pitched than the Sumatran orangutan’s.
Russell Mittermeier is head of an international primate specialist group. He says the “remarkable discovery” of a new great ape puts pressure on the Indonesian government. Indonesia should ensure the species survives, Mittermeier believes. Experts already classify Tapanuli orangutans as critically endangered. Both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans share that status.
Matthew Nowak, one of the study’s authors, says Tapanuli orangutans live in three pockets of forest. They are separated by non-protected areas. For the species to survive, he believes the “fragments need to be reconnected via forest corridors.”
Unless plans change, that’s unlikely. Human economic needs there led to deforestation for palm oil and pulpwood plantations. Conservationists blame that development for endangering Bornean orangutans. Now a hydropower plant is in the works in Batang Toru. Researchers say it must stop if the Tapanuli is to survive.
A director at Indonesia’s Forestry and Environment Ministry says managing Batang Toru is a “great challenge.” Yet he adds, “We are deeply committed to maintaining the survival of this species.”
Is Sumatra up to the challenge? How do you think the government should approach the problem of protecting the animals while meeting people’s needs?
