Orangutans at risk as Indonesia floods devastate habitat

A wild orangutan of Sumatra hangs on a tree at the Soraya Research Station in the Leuser Ecosystem Area, Subulussalam, Aceh province, Indonesia March 14, 2021. Picture taken March 14, 2021. Syifa Yulinnas/Antara Foto via REUTERS.

SIPIROK, Indonesia Dec 9 (Reuters) - Before the deadly landslides and floods hit Indonesia about two weeks ago, Amran Siagian, 39, frequently met Tapanuli orangutans on a hill in the region of Sipirok, North Sumatra province.

Siagian, who has been working as a ranger to protect the endangered animal at the Orangutan Information Center (OIC) for at least five years, remembers how the orangutans were fond of eating durian and other fruits from farms in the area.