Primate conservation: Lessons learned in the last 20 years can guide future efforts

Area of Science:

• Primate Conservation Biology
• Environmental Science
• Wildlife Ecology

Background:

• A previous assessment of primate threats was conducted twenty years ago.
• Primate populations and their habitats face ongoing and intensifying pressures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate existing primate threats.
• To identify emerging pressures on primate populations and habitats.
• To explore new research avenues and systemic changes for effective primate conservation.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of primate threats over two decades.
• Review of current scientific literature on primate conservation.
• Assessment of emerging environmental stressors.

Main Results:

• Habitat destruction and hunting have significantly increased.
• Climate change poses a clearer and more substantial danger.
• Emerging threats include sublethal effects of microplastics and pesticides.
• Despite challenges, protected areas are expanding, and research tools have advanced.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress in primate conservation is achievable with current resources and knowledge.
• The primary obstacle to preventing primate extinction is the lack of collective will.
• Urgent, systemic changes are required to avert widespread primate annihilation.