Scientists discover Tapanuli orangutan, world’s most endangered great ape

A new species of orangutan has been discovered on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, which are being termed as world’s most endangered great ape, as per the researchers.

The species, called Tapanuli orangutan, inhabit in the Batang Toru forest with a small population of 800 in total.

A study that was published in the journal Current Biology stated that the population is highly vulnerable and its habitat is facing further pressure from development.

"It’s the first declaration of a new great ape species in about 100 years", Ian Singleton, co-author of the study and director of the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, told AFP.

Giving it the scientific name Pongo tapanuliensis, scientists have identified this first great ape species in nearly 90 years.

Read more: Scientists find mysterious 'void' inside Egypt's Great Pyramid

The research is based on analysis of skulls and teeth of 33 orangutans killed in human-animal conflict, drawing the conclusion to the discovery of a new species.

Researchers have also launched warnings regarding their survival. "If steps are not taken quickly to reduce current and future threats to conserve every last remaining bit of forest we may see the discovery and extinction of a great ape species within our lifetime", they said.