Scientists identify a new orangutan species
Scientists have identified a third species of orangutans dubbed the Tapanuli orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) in the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Since 2001, two distinct species have been recognised- the Bornean (Pongo pygmaeus) and Sumatran (Pongo abelii) orangutans. Highlighting the threat to the species, researchers estimate no more than 800 individuals remain across the fragmented forests.