We have some sobering news to share.

In a paper published in June 2026, scientists, including those from our partner Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP), have concluded that the number of wild orangutans on the island of Sumatra has continued to decline, bringing the animals even closer to the brink of extinction. The survival of the Tapanuli orangutan is particularly at risk.

The study on the population size and density of orangutans living on Sumatra shows that the threat to both Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans has increased since the last census in 2011. Both species were already classified as critically endangered and the situation has worsened. According to the survey, the estimated number of Sumatran orangutans is now only 11,694 individuals and the number of Tapanuli orangutans is only 716.

In addition to habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade and human-wildlife conflicts are significantly impacting the orangutans. It is clear that designating protected areas is not enough. Efforts to enforce laws, to reconnect fragmented subpopulations, and to implement targeted measures in unprotected areas must be intensified to prevent further decline.

We thank you for your continued support of Orangutan Outreach partners and projects. We will not stop fighting for the survival of the precious red apes.

The article published in ScienceDirect can be found here.