PRIMATE FACTS Humans, the Great Apes, gibbons, Old and New World monkeys, lemurs, loris & allies, and tarsiers make up the scientific Order Primates. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) recognizes over 600 species of primates, of which approximately half are threatened with extinction. Primates are mammals characterized by large brains, the use of their hands, tree climbing abilities and variable methods of locomotion, a high level of social interaction, and complex behaviors. Non-human primates are primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The orangutan, gorilla, chimpanzee, and bonobo are considered the Great Apes. The bonobo is the smallest of the group, the gorilla the largest. Unfortunately Great Apes are under assault from various threats and all are listed as endangered or critically endangered. Threats include hunting for bushmeat, loss of habitat, conflict with humans in Central Africa, disease, and the illegal pet trade. Orangutans Orangutans are recognized by their orange fur and their incredibly long, strong arms which they use to swing from tree to tree. They are the largest tree climbing mammal in the world. These gentle giants are solitary animals except for mothers with young. Orangutans reach maturity and start reproducing between the age of 10 and 15 and can live 30-45 years in the wild. There are 2 species of orangutan, the Sumatran and the Bornean. Both species are under threat from loss of habitat due to agricultural development and logging, as well as illegal trapping and killing, and the pet trade. The Sumatran orangutan is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, the Bornean is listed as endangered. Gorillas Gorillas are the largest living primates aside from humans. The gorilla is divided into 2 species, the Western and Eastern. The Western and Eastern are then both divided into two sub species. The Western Lowland and the Cross River gorilla are sub species of the Western race. The Mountain and the Eastern Lowland are sub species of the Eastern race. All gorillas are listed as endangered or critically endangered and their populations are decreasing.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 09:16:54 +0000
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