The term monkey, which lacks taxonomic rank, is commonly used to refer to various species of the primate order. Traditionally and in a general way, these are classified into monkeys of the old and new world, according to their origin. These primates have a fundamental role in ecosystems, since they are part of their stability. However, an alarming aspect that has been known for years is the critical situation that many of the group's species are going through, which have been subjected to excessive pressure from human beings, which has led to one of the biggest crises close to the extinction of biodiversity.
Faced with such a relevant topic, on our site we want to present you an article on which are the monkeys in greatest danger of extinction. We invite you to continue reading.
Large bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus)
It is endemic to Madagascar and is classified critically endangered It is associated with the tropical forest with the presence of bamboos with large canes, mainly in middle and highlands, although it can also be in lowlands. It is estimated that 80% of the population has decreased due to the impact of logging and burning on their habitat, in addition to hunting direct. Climate change is also having a major impact on ecosystem modification.
Silky Sifaka (Propithecus candidus)
Also native to Madagascar, it is Critically endangered Estimates indicate that only About 250 mature individuals remain Its natural habitat is undisturbed humid mountain forests. The impact on the species is exerted by slash-and-burn for agricultural development, but also by hunting, since it is used for human consumption.
Meet more Animals of Madagascar in this other article.
Western Gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla)
Another endangered primate is the western gorilla. It is typical of Africa, of countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria, among others. It is considered critically endangered especially due to the reduction of the western lowland gorilla subspecies (G.g. gorilla).
There are many aspects that cause the dramatic situation of the species. On the one hand, and as the main aspect, we find poaching, on the other, the extraction of these animals for the consumption of their meat is described as unsustainable. The Ebola virus has also caused a significant decline, as well as habitat damage and the consequences of climate change.
Dryas Monkey (Cercopithecus dryas)
This endemic species of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is identified in the category in danger of extinction It is an enigmatic animal, about which several aspects are unknown, so further research is necessary. However, it is known to inhabit moist, riparian, and swamp forests. Poaching and habitat transformation for planting are the main causes of damage.
Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus)
This gibbon is native to China. Based on a dramatic 80% population decline, it is considered Critically Endangered, however it is currently reported as stable. It develops in the montane-type tropical forest and its main threats are hunting, inbreeding and alterations suffered by the habitat
Northern spider monkey (Ateles hybridus)
Yes, the spider monkey is in danger of extinction. In this case, we find a species native to South America, specifically from Colombia and Venezuela, which is included in the category in critical danger of extinction.
In the last 40 years, the population has been affected by 80% or more, which is alarming. The group in Colombia is mainly affected both by habitat alteration, and by huntingfor meat consumption and use in medicine; for its part, in Venezuela the modification of ecosystems is the greatest threat.
Yellow-tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda)
Another endangered monkey is the well-known yellow-tailed woolly monkey. This is an endemic monkey from Peru that is currently classified in critical danger of extinction In the last 50 years the population reduction has been intense and it still hasn't stopped. It develops in different types of forests, such as premontane, montane and cloudy. Due to the development of highways in the region, the species lost the protection it had for years in inaccessible areas, so that the habitat transformation, thepoaching and the impacts of mining wreak havoc on these animals.
Unfortunately, the yellow-tailed woolly is not the only animal threatened. In this other article we show you the Animals in greatest danger of extinction in Peru.
Pygmy Tarsier (Tarsius pumilus)
The species is endemic to Indonesia and was rediscovered relatively recently in 2008, although it is currently included in the endangered categoryIt grows at high altitudes, in forests up to 2,200 meters above sea level, especially where mosses and liverworts abound. Despite being virtually confined to remote locations, human pressure that alters habitat is the main threat.
Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii)
As its common name indicates, it is native to Sumatra, Indonesia, and is classified Critically Endangered The species thrives in low altitude humid forests, also in montane type and peat swamps. Logging for agricultural development, especially for oil palm planting, constitutes the main threat to this orangutan. The development of infrastructure also generates an impact on the species.
Kaapori capuchin monkey (Cebus kaapori)
This monkey is endemic to Brazil and because the last three generations have suffered a dramatic decline, it has been considered Critically EndangeredIt develops towards the eastern Amazon, both in moist and deciduous forests, and is not tolerant to changes in its ecosystem. However, the past three decades have seen a strong habitat destruction of the species, which has led to its current population situation.
Other endangered primates
Unfortunately, the endangered monkeys mentioned are not the only ones in this dire situation. Next, we mention other primates in danger of extinction. As we say, the list is much longer, so we present you some of those that are in the critical danger (CR) and endangered (EN) categories:
- Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei): CR
- Borneo Orangutan (Pongo pygmy): CR
- Western Gibbon Hoolock (Hoolock hoolock): EN
- Rondo Dwarf Galago (Paragalago rondoensis): EN
- Yucatan black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra): EN
- White-bellied spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth): CR
- Blue-eyed black lemur (Eulemur flavifrons): CR
- San Martin Marmoset (Plecturocebus oenanthe): CR
- Tana River Red Colobus(Procolobus rufomitratus): CR
- Red-tailed sporting lemur (Lepilemur ruficaudatus): CR
