The findings, published on Wednesday in the journal Current Biology, link the losses to devastating floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Senyar, which struck northern Sumatra in November and caused widespread destruction across the region.

The storm killed more than 1,200 people and damaged over 180,000 homes in three provinces. Environmental organizations previously attributed the scale of the disaster partly to extensive deforestation in affected areas.

Researchers found that approximately 58 Tapanuli orangutans were killed in landslides across the Batang Toru ecosystem, the only known habitat of the critically endangered species. Fewer than 800 individuals are believed to remain in the wild.

Using satellite imagery, scientists identified about 8,300 hectares affected by landslides in the Batang Toru region following the extreme rainfall event. The study concluded that orangutans likely died from falling trees, burial under landslides and drowning during prolonged flooding.

The authors said the estimate was conservative because the analysis covered only landslides in western Batang Toru and excluded indirect impacts such as food shortages and canopy destruction that may also have increased mortality.

“Our findings provide quantitative evidence that extreme rainfall events can directly threaten great ape survival,” the researchers wrote.

They warned that the deaths represent a significant demographic setback for a species characterized by slow reproduction rates and high sensitivity to population losses.

Previous scientific assessments have suggested that the Tapanuli orangutan, identified as a distinct species in 2017, could face extinction if annual population declines exceed 1%.

The study adds to growing evidence linking biodiversity threats to climate change. Researchers previously found that human-induced climate change increased Cyclone Senyar’s rainfall intensity by between 10% and 50%, amplifying the likelihood and severity of landslides.

Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at Imperial College London and co-author of the study, said the findings illustrate how climate change and biodiversity loss are becoming increasingly interconnected.

She said human-driven warming transformed a severe tropical storm into a catastrophic trigger for landslides that devastated both human communities and wildlife populations.

The researchers urged immediate conservation measures to protect the Batang Toru ecosystem, warning that continued habitat degradation combined with climate-related disasters could accelerate the species’ decline.

Jatna Supriatna, a biology professor at Universitas Indonesia and co-author of the study, called for permanent protection of the Batang Toru forest and greater international financial support for biodiversity recovery efforts.

He said stronger conservation action is essential to prevent what could become the first modern extinction of a great ape species.

The warning came after Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters that his government would proceed with plans for the development despite growing protests over its potential environmental impact on a sensitive stretch of coastline in southern Albania.

The project, linked to Kushner and Ivanka Trump through Kushner’s investment firm Affinity Partners, has become a focal point of public opposition. Demonstrators argue that the development threatens an ecologically important coastal area that serves as a migratory stopover for flamingos and other bird species.

Speaking on Tuesday, European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said Albania must avoid actions that could jeopardize its progress toward meeting EU accession requirements.

“Albania should refrain from action that could undermine the fulfilment of the closing benchmark, and we expect the Albanian authorities to act without delay,” Mercier said, adding that the Commission remained in contact with Albanian authorities regarding the issue.

The dispute comes as the European Union advances discussions on enlargement, with Albania among the countries identified as potential candidates for membership by 2030, provided they align domestic legislation and regulatory frameworks with EU standards, including environmental protections.

Protests against the resort have intensified in recent weeks in Tirana and along Albania’s southern coastline. Activists have dubbed the movement the “Flamingo Revolution,” reflecting concerns that construction could affect wildlife habitats in the area.

The demonstrations have also evolved into a broader expression of discontent among some opposition groups regarding aspects of Rama’s 13-year tenure in office.

Rama dismissed suggestions that the project would undermine environmental safeguards, saying authorities remained committed to protecting biodiversity and natural habitats. He said an environmental impact assessment would be completed before the project moves forward.

“We are very proud of what we have done for the wildlife in Albania. The European Commission has no reason to doubt our firm will to protect whatever has to be protected when it comes to wildlife and nature,” Rama told Reuters.

Affinity Partners, which is expected to develop the resort, did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

The controversy highlights the growing tension between economic development ambitions and environmental obligations facing countries seeking accession to the European Union, where compliance with environmental legislation forms a key component of membership negotiations.

The release of 20 Asian houbara within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in Tabuk marks a milestone under the Kingdom’s ReWild Arabia mission, reflecting a shift toward science-led rewilding and long-term ecological restoration.

The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with national wildlife authorities and specialist conservation foundations to ensure the establishment of viable wild populations across Saudi Arabia.

Historically, the Asian houbara ranged widely from North Africa to East Asia and once bred extensively across the Arabian Peninsula, with migratory populations wintering in Saudi Arabia.

Over time, habitat loss, unsustainable hunting practices, and poaching led to a dramatic decline, leaving the species critically endangered and absent from the Kingdom’s wild landscapes for decades.

Conservation experts involved in the project say the latest release represents a turning point, as efforts now move beyond captive breeding toward ensuring survival and adaptation in natural environments.

Half of the released birds have been fitted with satellite tracking devices, allowing scientists to closely monitor their movements, survival rates, habitat preferences, and exposure to threats.

The data collected will help refine future release strategies and support long-term population recovery.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve provides an ideal setting for rewilding due to its vast protected area and diverse ecosystems.

Covering more than 24,500 square kilometers, the reserve supports large-scale habitat restoration, ranger patrols, and community engagement programs designed to safeguard wildlife and reduce human pressure on fragile ecosystems.

Officials involved in the project emphasize that restoring the Asian houbara carries both ecological and cultural importance. The species holds deep significance in Arabian falconry traditions, which were recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Reviving houbara populations helps preserve not only biodiversity but also a living cultural practice closely tied to the region’s history.

Saudi Arabia’s conservation journey with the houbara dates back to the mid-1980s, when the Kingdom established its first breeding and research centers to counter the species’ decline.

While breeding programs have achieved success in producing large numbers of birds, conservationists note that the ultimate challenge lies in enabling these birds to survive, reproduce, and sustain themselves in the wild.

The Asian houbara is now the 13th species to be reintroduced within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve as part of an ambitious program to return 23 native species to their historical ranges.

The reserve spans landscapes from volcanic lava fields to the Red Sea coastline and links major development zones, balancing conservation with sustainable development.

Despite covering a small percentage of Saudi Arabia’s total land and marine area, the reserve hosts more than half of the Kingdom’s recorded species, making it one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the Middle East.

Conservation leaders say this highlights the importance of protected reserves in reversing biodiversity loss.

The reintroduction effort underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role in regional and global conservation, aligning environmental protection with cultural heritage and sustainable land management.

Long-term monitoring and adaptive management will determine the program’s success, but early signs point to a renewed future for the Asian houbara in the Kingdom.

The initiative focuses on planting over 11,000 seedlings in Rafha as part of a comprehensive afforestation plan designed to enhance green spaces, improve air quality, and combat desertification across the region.

The campaign aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision for sustainable development, aiming to create a balance between nature and human progress, environment, sustainability, green growth, tree planting, biodiversity, reforestation, eco-initiatives.

The campaign represents a collaborative effort among government agencies, environmental organizations, and hundreds of volunteers from different parts of the Kingdom.

Participants, including students, local residents, and environmental enthusiasts, are contributing to the planting of native trees suited to the region’s climate.

Their shared commitment reflects the growing awareness of environmental conservation and the importance of restoring vegetation cover, community engagement, eco-awareness, climate action, tree planting, sustainable living, green projects, public participation.

Each seedling planted marks a small but powerful step toward restoring the natural ecosystem and promoting long-term sustainability.

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As part of the Kingdom’s broader afforestation vision, the campaign also supports national efforts to combat the impacts of climate change and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

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The Kingdom’s focus on reforestation has seen remarkable results in recent years. The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority recently planted over 3,000 seedlings in its nursery in the Jouf region, continuing its ongoing environmental projects.

These initiatives are part of a nationwide strategy to restore degraded lands and strengthen the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s ecosystems against changing climatic conditions, conservation projects, tree growth, green Saudi, environmental protection, habitat revival.

Volunteers from schools and universities have played a major role in the Northern Borders tree-planting drive. Their active participation showcases a rising environmental consciousness among youth and the community’s dedication to sustainable living.

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The restoration efforts have already achieved notable success, with nearly 4 million seedlings planted across various regions of the Kingdom and over 750,000 hectares of land rehabilitated.

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The Kingdom’s greening projects are not only transforming the landscape but also enhancing the quality of life for citizens and residents. Increased vegetation contributes to improved air quality, cooler temperatures, and more beautiful surroundings that inspire community pride and well-being.

This continuous commitment to environmental preservation sets an example for global green movements and underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in sustainable development, clean air, green future, eco-leadership, sustainable innovation, quality of life, environmental progress.

The Northern Borders tree-planting campaign stands as a powerful symbol of hope and renewal, reinforcing the importance of nature in the nation’s future.

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