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How extreme rain is putting orangutans at risk

7% of the world鈥檚 rarest orangutans were killed in four days of extreme rain.

Orangutans are the world鈥檚 most endangered apes and they鈥檙e now even closer to extinction. They live on two islands in southeast Asia: Sumatra and Borneo. In November, an extreme weather event in the area killed more than 1,000 people there, plus about 7% of the world鈥檚 rarest type of orangutan according to a new study.

麻豆社 Climate and Science reporter Georgina Rannard takes us through how orangutans are being pushed towards extinction and what some countries and charities are doing to protect them.

We also hear from a conservationist making an effort to save the species.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Emma-Louise Amanshia
Producers: Emily Horler and Benita Barden
Video Producer: Baldeep Chahal
Editors: Verity Wilde

Available now

11 minutes

Last on

Fri 14 Aug 2026 02:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 13 Aug 2026 17:50GMT
  • Fri 14 Aug 2026 02:50GMT

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