Scientists find new species of orangutan
A NEW species of orangutan has been discovered in Indonesia thanks to a team including Cardiff University researchers.
The new species – with a population of no more than 800 – was found living in the Batang Toru forests of North Sumatra.
The Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) was originally considered to be part of the Sumatran orangutan population, but its classification as a separate species means it is considered the most endangered of all great ape species.
Following the discovery of skeletal material, believed to have come from a Tapanuli orangutan killed by humans in 2013, an international team of researchers set out to understand more about the distant ape relative of humans.
On comparing the skull and dental characteristics of the Batang Toru species to those of 33 other adult male orangutans of a similar developmental state, they found “unique” structural differences.
Along with Cardiff University, the international team of collaborative researchers included those from the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, Indonesian authorities, and the Australian National University.
Led by Professor Michael Krützen, of the University of Zurich, the team determined the genetic differences of the apes by completing the largest genomic study of wild orangutans in history.
Prof Krützen said: “When we realized that Batang Toru orangutans are morphologically different from all other orangutans, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The oldest evolutionary line in the genus Pongo is actually found in Batang Toru orangutans, which appear to be direct descendants of the first Sumatran population.”
Dr Benoit Goossens, from Cardiff University’s School of Biosciences, said: “The Batang Toru populations of orangutans in Sumatra were only rediscovered fairly recently in 1997.
“However, it wasn’t until 2013 that the researchers received the skeleton of an adult male orangutan that was killed during conflict, and we realised that there were significant physical and genetic differences in these apes.
“By comparing the skull to other orangutans, it was clear that this skull showed dramatic differences. This suggested that the Batang Toru population was potentially unique, so our international team of researchers worked together to gather further evidence.
“It’s exciting to describe a new great ape species in the 21st century – however with such low numbers of the Batang Toru orangutans, it is vital that we now work to protect them.
“Mining, hunting, deforestation and human encroachment all risk the lives of these great apes.
“It is crucial that we work to conserve the forest, because if we do not take the steps needed to protect the Tapanuli orangutans, we could see their discovery and extinction within our lifetime.”