Newly discovered Orangutan's species in Batang Toru National Forest might have been in endangered

Orangutan is just like human, living together in a nest

Recent study about Orangutan living in Batang Toru’s national forest is astonishing. The study that was published in Current Biology suggested that a new orangutan species, Pongo tapanuliensis, has been confirmed to be found in Batang Toru. However, according to the paper, the evidence of existence of this new type of orangutan is based on complete skeleton that died from wounds sustained by local people in November 2013.

New species of orangutan
The skeleton analysis of the orangutan mentioned previously differs from the others species. By comparing the holotype of 33 adult males of orangutans, the researchers found significant differences including in the breadth of upper canine, narrower interpterygoid distance, and shorter horizontal length of mandibular symphysis. The analysis also concluded that this type of orangutan is classified as genus Pongo.

Actually, the scientists have long realized that the existence of orangutan in southern part of Lake Toba is true. However, the only evidence that is not well enough to be proven is the report that had been conducted in 1939. And currently, the skeleton that was found near Sugi Tongan, Marancar implies the presence of threats among orangutans. The scientist has predicted that the numbers of this newly discovered species of orangutan might have been fewer than 800 individuals because of the geographical condition of forest which is classified as isolated forest.

On the other hand, the finding of skeleton indicates that the habitats are in endangered indicating the Batang Toru’s national forest might have been in endangered.

Endangered orangutan, threat to forest
It is not only happening in the Tapanuli area, but also in another part of forest either in Sumatra and Borneo, orangutan is an endangered species. But, talking about orangutan, why there are so many people that put high concern to this mammals? Well, one of the answer lies on their characteristic which is more likely to sleep in a nest without changing place. This reason also shows them that like another big ape or primate, such as Gorillas who is the biggest size, orangutan lives together in a group comprising 15-20 individuals.

As they live in a nest made from tree branches, it must be correct that they require lots of big and higher tree for their nest. If their habitats are damaged, it means the trees were cut for certain reasons causing damaged to their population. Batang Toru now is a protected forest as in the past decades, lots of environmentally damage has been conducting in this area including illegal logging, hunting for food and trade, and gold mining operation.

But the most terrifying threat comes from the settlers that have arrived to live there. Continuously, they make farms by cutting the trees. This illegal encroachment affects the ecosystem destroying the habitats of certain animals including the orangutan itself.

Reference:
[1] Image is downloaded from http://leuserconservation.org