Primate Conservation: Primates on the brink...

Some facts million or more plants and animals make up world’s biodiversity Over half of these species are found in tropical rainforests Tropical rainforests make up only 7% of the world’s surface Extinction rate= 137+ species/day

Rates of deforestation

Vary by habitat Madagascar, Thailand exampleThailand example Patterns of forest loss (severe for future) See Figure 8.2 (coursepak reading) Rates are not slowing down.

Habitat destruction Mostly due to anthropogenic disturbance (human induced) (table 8.1) –Agriculture mainly (fires) –Wood extraction (selective logging) –Mining, hydroelectric plants

Agriculture Permanent or shifting (rice, beans, coffee)

Leads to slash and burn Global fires

Forestry

Other forest products

Mining and Hydroelectric plants Petroleum camp, Africa Near mining camp, SE Asia

What happens... Obvious removal of forest area Creates fragmented habitat –Limits dispersal –Increases exposure (wind, fire)

What happens... Selective logging –Impacts surrounding trees –Creates light gaps –Fishbone pattern allows for inroads into more pristine forest –Removes large patches- Figure 8.3

Hunting Hunting pressures on animals increases Primates favored (Figure 9.1) But varies- Asia/Madagascar low, higher in New World/Africa (table 9.2)

Types of Hunting Trapped or shot Impact on population will depend on area Extinction...

REASONS Bushmeat (Africa) Live Primates Primate parts