“Primates in Peril” is a report that highlights the world’s most endangered primates, drawing attention to those in the direst need of conservation . This report is a joint venture of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, the International Primatological Society, and other conservation organizations . The report is updated biennially, with a list of 25 species considered most threatened and in need of urgent conservation measures .
Since its first release in 2000, the “Primates in Peril” list has aimed to be a media outreach tool and a review of species in critical condition, some with only a few dozen individuals remaining . By focusing on a selected few, the report seeks to promote urgent conservation efforts for these species and raise awareness about broader primate conservation issues . Sixty-seven primate species have been included in the list since its inception .
The most recent list, “Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2023–2025,” was drawn up in August 2023 . It includes nine primates from Asia, six from the Americas, six from the African mainland, and four from Madagascar .
Threats to primates are significant, with nearly two-thirds of all primate species facing the risk of extinction . The primary threats include:
- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: This is the overarching problem, as primates are primarily tropical rainforest species, and these forests are under pressure globally .
- Hunting and Bushmeat Consumption: Primates are hunted for food in many regions .
- Trade in Wild Animals: The illegal pet trade and other forms of wildlife trade pose a significant threat .
- Diseases: Primates are also susceptible to diseases that can decimate populations .
Several primates have been included in the “Primates in Peril” list multiple times, indicating their ongoing critical status . Some species have appeared on the list for the first time in recent reports, such as the Sahafary sportive lemur, red-bellied monkey, northern pygmy slow loris, Myanmar snub-nosed monkey, Central American squirrel monkey, and Bornean banded langur .
The “Primates in Peril” report serves as a crucial tool to raise awareness and stimulate conservation actions. In some cases, inclusion on the list has directly contributed to the creation of protected areas and increased funding for conservation efforts .for Environment news click www.eminentnews.com
