Within Brazil’s lush forests, the fates of two species of endangered primates hang in the balance; in order to support the survival of these species, as well as he cause of Brazilian biodiversity, it is important to understand the issues that impact these endangered species, as well as the negative ramifications of the prospective extinction of these intelligent and beautiful Brazilian primates.
Losing species is undesirable for a host of reasons. For example, losing just one species may impact the survival of many other species, since every bird, fish and animal has its place in the natural order of things. Therefore, protecting endangered primates in Brazil is imperative. Of course, one must also consider the value of the endangered species in question as bright, active creatures whose movements and social habits inspire so much fascination, study, and admiration.
As human beings, we are linked with primates through evolution. Therefore, protecting these creatures should always be a priority. Now that you know more about the perils of extinction with regard to the primates of Brazil (and Brazilian biodiversity in general), let’s examine exactly which species are currently at risk.
Which Species Of Endangered Primates Live In Brazil?
According to the Primate Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Cebus Flavius (Macaco-prego-galego) is one of Brazil’s endangered primate species. This species of primates dwells in the Atlantic Forest, in the north-east area of Brazil. Also known as blond capuchin monkeys, these small, curious and agile creatures were first discovered by Georg Marcgrave in the 17th century.
The other endangered species is known as the Callicebus Barbarabrownae (Guigo-da-caatinga), or blond Titi monkey. This primate is currently considered at even greater risk for extinction than the blond capuchin monkey. Formerly classified as a sub-species of masked Titi monkeys, this type of monkey later received a full species designation of its own. Like the blond capuchin monkey, these primates are native to Brazil’s north-eastern Atlantic Forest. The blond Titi monkey is the proud owner of a startling orange tail, and he or she also displays areas of dark fur along the head and face.
Why Are These Brazilian Primates Endangered?
Brazil’s Atlantic Forest has been depleted over the years, and it is the home to both species of endangered monkeys. It is safe to say that the Atlantic Forest habitat of these charming, inquisitive creatures is to blame for their current endangered status. Brazilian biodiversity is in peril in the Atlantic Forest, which now features a host of degraded areas, some of which are currently protected from more destructive farming, hunting, and development.
For centuries, the Atlantic Forest offered humans a rich bounty of lumber, sugar cane, coffee beans, and other commodities. Over-harvested for hundreds of years, the region has become a poignant symbol of the need for stricter laws that promote Brazilian biodiversity.
Activists are committed to saving the endangered primates of Brazil and to promoting better Brazilian biodiversity. With any luck, their efforts may allow the blond capuchin monkey and blond Titi monkey to survive in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest region.