Extinction of Non-Human Primates Essay Example

Introduction

Nonhuman primates play vital roles in the livelihood, and culture of many societies around the world besides offering insights into human biology, behaviour, evolution, and the threat of emerging diseases (Estrada et al. 1). These primates help to ensure tropical biodiversity by contributing to the regeneration of forests, which leads to healthy ecosystems. Alarmingly, studies have shown that 75% of the primate species are facing declining populations while 60% are threatened with extinction. The primary contributor to this epidemic is unsustainable human activities, disease and behavioural variables. Primates are important animals, and hence measures should be in place to arrest this trend.

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Contributing Factors

Deforestation

The loss of habitat due to deforestation plays a primary role towards extinction of primates. Human activities, fuelled by global market demands, are the primary contributors toward habitat loss and primate extinction (Estrada et al. 3). In particular, the demand for timber, minerals, and cash crops has resulted in extensive industry-driven deforestation at the expense of primates.

The global demand for palm oil products has led to the severe decline of the Bornean and Sumatran orang-utan due to forest encroachment (Estrada et al. 3). Similarly, the populations of the western hoolock gibbon in India have declined due to deforestation caused by the establishment of rubber plantations.

The demand for tropical timber has led to an increase of logging activities. Logging destroys protected areas and leads to the decline of indigenous tree species necessary for the survival of primates. Large-scale harvesting of rosewood in Madagascar since 2009 has had a negative impact on protected areas (Estrada et al. 3).

Mining has also led to the extinction of primates since it involves the clearing of forests to set up the infrastructure. It also causes forest degradation and the poisoning of streams. Some primates are forced out of their habitat by mining operations, and this may expose them to predators. The population density of apes in mined forests in Central Africa is significantly lower than in forests without mining activities (Estrada et al. 3).

Hunting

Many societies around the world have popularized and commercialized the consumption of bushmeat. This situation has been a primary contributor to primate population decline as the animals are killed to satisfy the market demand. Rare primates are expensive, and hence poachers are willing to risk venturing into protected areas to hunt. Estimates show that roughly 1950 to 3100 orang-utans are killed annually in Borneo (Estrada et al. 6).

Legal and Illegal Trade

Primate species are traded for numerous reasons. They are sold as food, pets, biomedical research and body parts used as traditional medicine by different societies. Trading in rare and endangered species could cause them to become extinct with time. There were a reported 450,000 live animals traded globally between 2005-2014 (Estrada et al. 6).

Climate Change

Primates are vulnerable to the changing patterns caused by climate change. Primates with limited geographical distribution of species are likely to be most affected by the shifting ecological conditions. Some species may adapt while others are forced out of their habitats, exposing them to predators. Ecologically flexible primates can survive climate change since they are tolerant to environmental disturbances and changes (Lootvoet et al. 7).

Diseases

The close phylogenetic relationship between primates and humans increases the likelihood of pathogen and parasite transfers (Estrada et al. 6). The increasing population density in the world has changed the dynamics of primate-human interactions (Gillespie et al. 54). As people increase, the search for additional space has speeded up the fragmentation and reduction of primate habitats. As a result, there has been increased human-primate contact, which has increased the rate of pathogen transmission (Gillespie et al. 54). Pathogens can directly impact the survival and reproduction of the host by reducing the host's condition or via pathologic effects. The pathogens lead to symptoms that impair travelling, feeding, nutrition, competition for mates and resources, and predator escape (Gillespie et al. 55). The Simian immunodeficiency virus has affected various chimpanzee and monkey species.

Behavioral Causes

Multispecies analyses have indicated that the susceptibility to extinction follows a phylogenetic pattern. Closely related species will likely face a common threat compare to those that are far apart. Animal behaviour plays a vital role in determining the risk of extinction. Sexual selection and social system are the most likely behavioural variables to influence extinction risk (Lootvoet et al. 2). Social systems may impact the vulnerability of primates via group size or mating system. The smaller the group size, the higher the risk for extinction and vice versa. A monogamous mating system could also introduce the Allee effect where primates fail to find partners (Lootvoet et al. 7).

Solutions

Stopping the illegal trade of primates using legislation, and community building activities (Estrada et al. 10).

One solution is to improve the livelihoods of people in primate range countries. Measures that will enhance the standards of living, education, and reduce poverty will reduce cases of hunting, trading, and deforestation since they will understand the value of primates.

Expanding the protected areas to include more species will also help in mitigating extinction. These areas provide a secure environment for growth and reproduction.

Understanding the behavioral characteristics of species can help in establishing successful conservation plans, such as the identification of priority areas and species (Lootvoet et al. 11).

Conclusion

Primates are essential animals that help in maintaining biodiversity, but they are under threat of extinction. Human activities are the leading cause as well as intrinsic behavioral habits, and disease. Deforestation is leading to loss of habitats while hunting and trade are directly reducing the species population. There is a need to preserve the population of these remarkable animals, and it can be done via educating, establishing protected areas, and outlawing the primate trade.

Works cited

Estrada, Alejandro et al. "Impending Extinction Crisis Of The World'S Primates: Why Primates Matter". Science Advances, vol 3, no. 1, 2017, p. e1600946. American Association For The Advancement Of Science (AAAS), doi:10.1126/sciadv.1600946. Accessed 2 Nov 2018.

Gillespie, Thomas R. et al. "Integrative Approaches To The Study Of Primate Infectious Disease: Implications For Biodiversity Conservation And Global Health". American Journal Of Physical Anthropology, vol 137, no. S47, 2008, pp. 53-69. Wiley, doi:10.1002/ajpa.20949.

Lootvoet, Amelie Christelle et al. "Behavioral Correlates Of Primates Conservation Status: Intrinsic Vulnerability To Anthropogenic Threats". PLOS ONE, vol 10, no. 10, 2015, p. e0135585. Public Library Of Science (PloS), doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0135585.