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You are lucky in case you are able to spot an exotic langur/ monkey in your area. By the time your children will grow up, primates might become an ancient relic- one found only in books and folklores! The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently evaluated the status of primate species world over and has found that those representing the vestiges of once abundant exotic monkeys and great apes will soon vanish from the Earth’s surface. The report compiled after a study involving the work of hundreds of scientists, reveals that, nearly half of world’s primate population face extinction threat and their situation is worsening day by day. This study has been the most comprehensive analysis done in recent times. The fall in their numbers is evident as the “red list” (by IUCN) reports an increase in the number of primate species and sub-species in the three highest threat categories - vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered, from 39% to 48% in just one year! As of now, some 303 of the 634 species and sub-species of primate face survival threats in the wake of an increasing trend of poaching for bushmeat trade.

Until now, habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade were the reasons behind the dwindling population of primates.But now these animals are being butchered for man’s appetite aswell. Thus bushmeat trade has emerged as a major threat to the survival of these exotic monkeys and apes in natural environs. There are places on the world map where fortunately the forests and natural habitat of primates is still conserved. The jungles are there but there are no apes because of rampant killing of these animals for their meat. Hunting is also done for procuring the animals for pet trade and Chinese medicine.� �
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The findings of this report (funded by Conservation International, the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the IUCN) reveal an alarming situation for monkeys, gibbons and langurs of South East Asia and Gorillas of Africa. Those nations where the highest percentage of threatened species is recorded are� Cambodia (90%), Vietnam (86%), Indonesia (84%), and Laos (83%) and China (79%). The picture is less depressing for Madagascar (43%), Mexico, and South & Central America (40%). Nevertheless, in coming few years even these countries might show a figure parallel to that seen in S.E. Asia today!

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Its high time, the conservation efforts need a lift. But my heart goes out to all those conservationists whose hard work of day and night, is slashed in one blow by merciless and insane poachers! Will there ever be an end to man’s greed???
Via: Guardian