Madagascar's Primates Need Help

         I have recently read an article called “25 primate species reported on brink of extinction” by Nirmala George on the Boston Globe, October 17, 2012. In Madagascar, South America, Africa, and Asia twenty five animals including monkeys, lemurs, langurs, and gorillas are very close to extinction. This is because of deforestation and illegal hunting. More than half of 633 types of primates could become extinct because of deforestation and hunting. An interesting quote from this article was” Primates are increasingly becoming a major ecotourism attraction, and primate-watching is growing in interest” said Russell A. Mittermeier.

       What I have found interesting is Madagascar is a beautiful country filled rainforest and beautiful animals. Like the quote above tourist visit Madagascar to see its primates. Sadly many of Madagascar’s primates are close to extinction. Soon if deforestation or hunting of these primates is not stopped they will be extinct and no one will visit this country. This is a very bad thing for Madagascar because a lot of its income is from tourist as I’ve learned in middle school.  This is the same for many other places so if people aren’t aware of this the primates could be extinct before we know it. This is a similar situation to the lorax for example the Oncler is attracted to the place because it beautiful. At first a lot of people come to buy the silk but he takes it too far and cuts down every tree. Which forces all the animals to leave and everyone else leaves because there are no trees and everything is polluted. This could happen to Madagascar and all the animals could die like this baby Grauer's gorilla if things aren’t changed.

 

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/2012/10/17/primate-species-reported-brink-extinction/JctFEHflFe8ooT0Y4n8WoJ/story.html