Equatorial Guinea's Bioko Island is home to some of the most endangered primates on the planet. But a new study published in Biological Conservation led by Drexel University researchers says that gun hunting is driving the Island's primates to extinction. The researchers discovered that as gun hunting increased, the prevalence of seven species on the island dropped -- four of which are "especially vulnerable and unable to adapt to hunting," reports Drexel Now.
The primates are much more valuable alive than as dead bush meat. The Island's rich biodiversity wouldn't be possible without the seed dispersing primates.
Fortunately, the researchers still believe that there's hope for the primates on Bioko Island. They offer two solutions -- one short-term and one long-term -- that can ensure the primates' survival on the Island. Short-term strategy: protect the primates by enforcing existing anti-poaching laws by implementing forest guards, who are already conducting roadside enforcement. Long-term strategy: ensure the future of the primates by developing a conservation management plan for the Gran Caldera Scientific Reserve. Both strategies will require political will to make primate conservation a reality.
Sign and share this petition urging Equatorial Guinea's leadership to implement the necessary short- and long-term solutions that will ensure the survival of the Island's primates.
Photo Credit: Bernard Dupont
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