Over Half of All Primates are Facing Extinction Crisis due to Habitat Loss and Hunting

A new study carried out by a team of 30 researchers from different parts of the world suggests that more than half of the world’s primates are now facing an “extinction crisis.”

This study, which focused on more than 500 primate species, analyzed their conservation status and found that about 60% of them are now threatened with extinction. According to this global survey, populations of 75% of species are now in the state of decline. Researchers say these endangered species could become extinct in next 25-30 years if human activities driving these species’ decline continue as normal.

“Forests are destroyed when primate habitat is converted to industrial agriculture, leaving primates with nowhere to live,” said Professor Jo Setchell from Durham University while talking to the BBC News.

Professor Setchell, one of the researchers who conducted the study, explains that main threats for primate species are illegal hunting and the loss of habitat due to deforestation.

According to Prof. Setchell, primates are hunted in forests for meat and trade.

“The short answer is that we must reduce human domination of the planet, and learn to share space with other species,” Prof Setchell said.

According to the study, poverty and civil unrest are other main factors for hunting of primates, as many people in poor countries are forced to hunt primates to feed their family. Experts believe it is highly essential that governments in those countries focus on developmental of the society and the people to ensure that people have enough food to feed themselves. They say conservation groups are doing an excellent work in this field, it is vital that their work is backed up by global pressure and global change.

The detailed findings of the study have been published in the journal Science Advances.