# Tapanuli orangutan

> An orangutan species described in 2017 from Batang Toru. Its exceptionally restricted range makes protection of remaining forest especially important.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/tapanuli-orangutan/ · Updated 7 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/orangutan-tapanuli/
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**Review status:** Approved by team on 2026-10-07. Approval covers this version’s narrative, facts, quick answers and recorded locations in both languages.

## Quick answer

The Tapanuli orangutan (*Pongo tapanuliensis*) is a mammal in the family Hominidae. Range in Indonesia: Batang Toru landscape, North Sumatra. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Batang Toru Ecosystem, Tapanuli, North Sumatra. Diet: plant-eater, including conifer trees rarely eaten by other orangutans; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Pongo tapanuliensis* |
| Indonesian name | Orangutan Tapanuli |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Hominidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Batang Toru landscape, North Sumatra |
| Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) |
| Species described | 2017 |
| Range | Batang Toru |
| Habitat | North Sumatran forest |
| IUCN status | Critically Endangered · [SOCP — Who we are](https://sumatranorangutan.org/who-we-are/) |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 63 |
| Population estimate | Only about 800 individuals · [SOCP — Who we are](https://sumatranorangutan.org/who-we-are/) |
| Habitat area | The Batang Toru Ecosystem covers close to 150,000 ha, entirely within North Sumatra · [SOCP — Who we are](https://sumatranorangutan.org/who-we-are/) |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — plant-eater, including conifer trees rarely eaten by other orangutans · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/120588639/259042400) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Observance days | [Indonesian Primate Day (30 January)](https://panduanhewan.org/en/animal-days-calendar/#hari-primata-indonesia); [International Orangutan Day (19 August)](https://panduanhewan.org/en/animal-days-calendar/#international-orangutan-day) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [Orangutans (Pongo spp.) Fact Sheet: Summary - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library](https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/orangutans) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Batang Toru Ecosystem, Tapanuli, North Sumatra · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/120588639/259042400) |

## New to science, not a newly arrived animal

International research announced by the University of Zurich in 2017 recognised the Tapanuli orangutan as a distinct species. The conclusion combined physical, behavioural, and genetic evidence. The description date marks scientific recognition, not the animal’s arrival in the forest or its first recognition by local communities.

Evidence: [University of Zurich — Third orangutan species, 2017](https://news.uzh.ch/en/articles/2017/Third-Orangutan-Species.html)

## Keep it separate from Pongo abelii

Two orangutan species live in Sumatra: Pongo abelii and Pongo tapanuliensis. The word Sumatra in a headline does not establish which is discussed. Check scientific name and location when using conservation data; extending one species’ figures to the entire island can obscure very different circumstances.

Evidence: [SOCP — Who we are](https://sumatranorangutan.org/who-we-are/)

## Why connections between forests matter

A population with a narrow range has fewer options when habitat becomes separated. SOS places forest connectivity and resilience within its orangutan conservation approach. For Tapanuli orangutans, evaluating change requires the wider Batang Toru landscape, including how routes and infrastructure affect links between habitat areas.

Evidence: [SOS — Conservation challenges](https://www.orangutans-sos.org/learn/conservation-challenges/) · [University of Zurich — Third orangutan species, 2017](https://news.uzh.ch/en/articles/2017/Third-Orangutan-Species.html)

## Research with clear limits

SOCP includes research and habitat monitoring in its Sumatran orangutan programmes. Data from one station are not a picture of every condition across a species’ range. Useful reporting identifies general area, study period, and research question while protecting information that could increase disturbance to animals.

Evidence: [SOCP — What we do](https://sumatranorangutan.org/what-we-do/)

## Match support to the need

SOCP describes habitat protection, education and community work within its programmes. PanduanHewan recommends support that explains these activities and their outcomes. The species-description story can begin learning about Batang Toru; it should not encourage close pursuit, sharing animal coordinates or asking guides to lure orangutans out.

Evidence: [SOCP — What we do](https://sumatranorangutan.org/what-we-do/)

## Scientific classification of the Tapanuli orangutan

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Hominidae |
| Genus | *Pongo* |
| Species | *Pongo tapanuliensis* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Tapanuli orangutan

### What is the scientific name of the Tapanuli orangutan?

The scientific name of the Tapanuli orangutan is *Pongo tapanuliensis*, in the family Hominidae. In Indonesian it is called Orangutan Tapanuli.

### What kind of animal is the Tapanuli orangutan?

The Tapanuli orangutan is a mammal in the family Hominidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a plant-eater, including conifer trees rarely eaten by other orangutans. It is also endemic to Indonesia.

### Where does the Tapanuli orangutan live in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the Tapanuli orangutan in: Batang Toru landscape, North Sumatra.

The Tapanuli orangutan is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Batang Toru Ecosystem, Tapanuli, North Sumatra. Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/120588639/259042400).

Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/).

### What does the Tapanuli orangutan eat?

The Tapanuli orangutan is a plant-eater, including conifer trees rarely eaten by other orangutans. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/120588639/259042400).

### How does the Tapanuli orangutan reproduce?

The Tapanuli orangutan reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### Is the Tapanuli orangutan nocturnal?

The cited source records the Tapanuli orangutan as diurnal (active by day). Source: [Orangutans (Pongo spp.) Fact Sheet: Summary - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library](https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/orangutans).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### How large is the population of the Tapanuli orangutan?

Only about 800 individuals. Source: [SOCP — Who we are](https://sumatranorangutan.org/who-we-are/). Wild population figures are estimates and can differ between surveys.

### What is the scientific classification of the Tapanuli orangutan?

Scientific classification of the Tapanuli orangutan: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Hominidae, genus *Pongo*, species *Pongo tapanuliensis*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Tapanuli orangutan endangered?

Yes. The global conservation status of the Tapanuli orangutan: Critically Endangered. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [SOCP — Who we are](https://sumatranorangutan.org/who-we-are/).

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the Tapanuli orangutan protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the Tapanuli orangutan protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The Tapanuli orangutan (*Pongo tapanuliensis*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 63).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the Tapanuli orangutan be kept as a pet?

No. Because the Tapanuli orangutan is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [University of Zurich — Third orangutan species, 2017](https://news.uzh.ch/en/articles/2017/Third-Orangutan-Species.html)
2. [SOCP — Who we are](https://sumatranorangutan.org/who-we-are/)
3. [SOS — Conservation challenges](https://www.orangutans-sos.org/learn/conservation-challenges/)
4. [SOCP — What we do](https://sumatranorangutan.org/what-we-do/)
5. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/120588639/259042400)
7. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
8. [Orangutans (Pongo spp.) Fact Sheet: Summary - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library](https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/orangutans)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Orangutan: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/orangutan/) — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/)
- [Sumatran orangutan](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sumatran-orangutan/)
- [Bornean orangutan](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bornean-orangutan/)
- [Volunteering for Animals](https://panduanhewan.org/en/guides/volunteering-for-animals/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Tapanuli orangutan. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/tapanuli-orangutan/