HEY HEY FOR THE MONKEYS, APES, BUSHBABIES… NOW

There’s new hope for us all! In particular, there’s new hope for our animal cousins -- and that of course ripples out to make a difference for everyone.

While many primate species are endangered or threatened, there may be a new way to save them.

According to a recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society, which studied Tanzanian primate populations for 5 years, Tanzania was found to be the most primate-diverse country in mainland Africa.

The study was the first to identify 27 species of primates who call this country home. In fact, a third of these species are found nowhere else in the world.

Because such a diverse range of primates live within a relatively small area, the study found that through the protection of only 3,350 square miles, all 27 species have a chance to survive.

The study cross-referenced all of the primate species and their habitats with IUCN Red List criteria and other factors, such as threats and rarity to create a ranked list, from most vulnerable to least vulnerable. The most vulnerable is the kipunji, an entirely new genus first discovered by WCS in 2003 on Mt Rungwe.

Next, a network of more than 60 "Priority Primate Areas" was mapped out to determine optimal conservation areas. However, by protecting just nine sites, including six national parks (Kilimanjaro, Kitulo, Mahale, Saadani, Udzungwa and Jozani-Chwaka Bay), one nature reserve (Kilombero) and two forest reserves (Minziro and Mgambo), all 27 species are covered.

Tanzania has Africa’s highest mountain (Kiliminjaro), deepest lake (Tanganyika)  and two globally significant biodiversity hotspots, the Eastern Afromontane and the Albertine Rift. Yet, the country is losing forest at an alarming rate, despite conservation investment and protections.

These Priority Primate Areas could be a valuable conservation tool worldwide, used to help protect other animals and their habitats. With limited resources and growing pressures, science-based priority setting tools like this one can significantly help developing nations to minimize biodiversity loss.

List of Tanzanian primates from most to least endangered:

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PHOTO CREDITS:

1. Photo: by Arno Meintjes. Vervet Monkeys.
2. Photo: by Michelle Bender. Mt. Kilimanjaro Guereza.
3. Photo: by Joachim S. Müller. Southern Lesser Galago.
4. Photo: by Jenny. Chimpanzee eating an orange.
5. Photo: by Tambako the Jaguar. Baboon.
6. Photo: by Stéphan Coquelet. Red Colobus Monkey.
7. Photo: by Rod Waddington. Male Gelada Baboon.
8. Photo: Courtesy of Save Our Species. Kipunji.
9. Photo: by Roger Smith. Red Colobus monkey.
10. Photo: Courtesy of Arab Encyclopedia. Demidoff’s Galago.
11. Photo: by Tambako the Jaguar. Baby Chimpanzee.
12. Photo: by Bernard Dupont. Red Tailed Monkey.
13. Photo: by Scorpions and Centaurs. Patas Monkeys.