Primate conservation experts list species facing extinction, many a result of habitat fragmentation. Sadly, most people are unaware of the existence of these wild animals
A joint effort of the Primate Specialist Group of the IUCN, Conservation International and the International Primatological Society, the 25 Most Endangered Primates list comes out every two years. New species are added but most of those that are dropped from the list are still in serious danger of extinction. Many of the species are arboreal, spending their lives in the trees which making forest habitat fragmentation a significant threat. Poaching for the bushmeat trade is another common reason for the decline of these animals.
Many Highly Endangered Primates are New Species
The fact that five of the primates making the list were first described after 1996 is interesting. More astounding is that, since 1990, eighty-six distinct species of primate have been described, forty-seven of them from Madagascar alone. This indicates how little is really known about worldwide biodiversity and the importance of protecting a variety of habitats.
Endangered Animals Removed from List are Not Necessarily Saved
This top 25 list is used to gauge threats to primate around the world. A quick read of the information makes it clear that no species were removed from the previous list because they had recovered to sustainable numbers. Rather the organization looked at the need to bring awareness to a variety of endangered primate species.
For example the Javan slow loris has replaced the still endangered Horton Plains slender loris simply because it is more heavily impacted by wildlife trade. The Hainan gibbon, on the other hand, has been moved off the list as a result of recent efforts to protect it. The closely related eastern black crested gibbon takes its place as serious habitat fragmentation is still a problem in its very small range.
In Africa there were few changes, although one species was removed and another primate species from Madagascar was added. This change reflects the growing awareness of the unique wildlife of Madagascar, and the fact that there is much still to be learned about this island. The Niger Delta red colobus was added to reflect growing concern about habitat fragmentation and bushmeat trade in this area.
Changes to the Top 25 Most Endangered Primates List 2008-2010
Removed from the list:
- Variegated spider monkey (Ateles hybridus)
- Brown-headed spider monkey(Ateles fusciceps)
- Miss Waldron’s red colobus (Procolobus bodius waldroni)
- Pennants red colobus (Procolobus pennantii pennantii)
- Horton Plains slender loris (Loris tardigradus nyctboides)
- Hainan black-crested gibbon (Nomascus hainanus)
- White-collared lemur (Eulemur albocollaris)
- Sahamalaza Peninsula sportive lemur (Lepilemur sahamalazensis)
Added to the list:
- Cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus)
- Eastern black-crested gibbon (Nomascus nasutus)
- Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus)
- Brown spider monkey (Ateles hybridus)
- Niger Delta Red Colobus (Procolobus epieni)
- Northern sportive lemur (Lepilemur septentrionalis)
- Grey-headed lemur (Eulemur cinereiceps)
- Sciater’s lemur (Eulemur flavifrons)
The scientists involved in making the decision as to which species go on the 25 Most Endangered Primates list make very clear that their decisions are based on the need to educate people about the threats all wildlife faces. By making certain species the focus of attention they hope to prevent the extinction of the individual species and protect the habitat that these animals share with other wildlife.
