Monday 2 December 2013

Human activity and forest loss threatens endangered ape


November 2013: Poaching, forest fragmentation and a growing population are all taking their toll on the endangered bonobo formerly known as the pygmy chimpanzee) and just 28 percent of its range remains suitable for them say scientists.

Using data from nest counts and remote sensing imagery the research team, which included scientists fromUniversity of Georgia, University of Maryland, the Wildlife Conservation Society, found that the bonobo avoids areas of high human activity and forest fragmentation. 

“This assessment is a major step towards addressing the substantial information gap regarding the conservation status of bonobos across their entire range,” said lead author Dr. Jena R. Hickey of Cornell University and the University of Georgia. “The results of the study demonstrate that human activities reduce the amount of effective bonobo habitat and will help us identify where to propose future protected areas for this great ape.” 

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