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Great apes 'at risk from climate change

Thursday 31 May, 2007

Great apes are at risk of an impending crisis as a result of climate change, it has emerged.

According to Dr Richard Leakey, the chairman of WildlifeDirect, action should be taken immediately to prevent further damage to species that are already at risk.

"I am concerned about the pressures on the land as a result of changes to the climate, but also the pressures … in terms of people's reaction to climate change and the shift away from fossil fuels to biofuels," said Dr Leakey.

Indeed, Dr Leakey believes that the switch to biofuels could further add pressure to vulnerable habitats, particularly as a large number of forests in South Asia have been removed to make way for the cultivation of palm oil.

Among the great apes considered to be at risk include bonobos, orangutans and chimpanzees.

WildlifeDirect is linked with a number of partner organisations, including the Colobus Trust and the Lorika Foundation.

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