Spotlight on Students: Primate Conservation

The following is a guest post featuring the work of students enrolled in my SA 202 course.  This exceptional work highlights the importance of primate conservation.  I hope you find this piece informative and are inspired to make a positive change in the world that will help this and other endangered primates.

Image Credit: EDGE Blog

By: Sarah Gardner

            It is common knowledge that numerous species of primates worldwide are currently considered endangered, but what may not be common knowledge is why these primate populations are declining so steadily and so rapidly. This writing assignment will focus specifically on the Rondo dwarf galago (Galagoides rondoensis), more commonly known as a type of “Bush Baby.” The Rondo dwarf galago is one of the “World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates” (Schwitzer et al. iii). I will discuss why it is important to preserve this, and in the end, all primate species from becoming extinct. Also considered here is how humans are contributing to but ultimately can prevent the extinction of endangered primates. 

            The Rondo dwarf galago is a prosimian, which is defined in the textbook “Anthropology” as, “Literally “pre-monkeys,” one of two suborders of primates,” which means that prosimians look more primitive, due to their generally larger eyes, ears, and fixed facial expressions, when compared to anthropoids (Ember et al. 91, 523). Rondo dwarf galagos are the smallest of the galago/bush baby family, with a maximum weight of 60 g (just over 2 oz.), and they are endemic to Tanzania (Schwitzer et al. 11). They are arboreal, spending most of their lives in trees, eating both fruits and insects. This species of primate is nocturnal and moves around in the vertical clinging and leaping method, meaning they hop and grasp to get where they want to go (Ember et al. 92).

            The endangered status of the Rondo dwarf galago is inextricably linked to the ever- expanding status of the human population. The National Primate Research Center at the University of Wisconsin states, “One of the most endangered bushbabies, G. rondonensis is threatened by the expansion of agriculture, charcoal manufacturing, and logging” (Gron). As the human population in Tanzania expands, there is more of a need for agricultural lands and less of a desire to preserve coastal forests, which are the sole habitat of the Rondo dwarf galago. Additionally, the people of this area utilize slash and burn techniques to clear trees for croplands, charcoal production (the most widely used fuel source in Tanzania), and logging. All of these human actions are directly contributing to the endangerment of the Rondo dwarf galago via an extreme and rapid loss of habitat (Gwegime).

            Even though humans are the main reason for the endangerment of this tiny primate, there are many things that we can do to help preserve and strengthen the remaining populations. First and foremost would be to increase conservation practices including, but not limited to, nature preserves at each of the eight locations in Tanzania where Rondo dwarf galagos are found. Another way to help minimize habitat degradation is through more sustainable and environmentally conscious charcoal manufacturing practices. These alternative methods would eliminate the slash and burn technique and instead focus on a way of acquiring the needed resource of charcoal in a more environmentally friendly way, which would allow the forest to regenerate itself while still maintaining the galago populations (Eaton). Public outreach and educational programs could also prevent the extinction of this species because if more people are aware of the problem and the need for conservation, then more can potentially be done to remedy this situation.

            It is important to protect all primates, including the Rondo dwarf galago, from extinction because they make many practical, economical, and aesthetic contributions to their given environments. Practically, primates play a large role in seed dispersal, which helps to, “regenerate tropical forest[s] and maintain a healthy ecosystem” (ESI.org). Economically, primates are good for tourism. The African Wildlife Foundation works with local communities and independent investors to build “lodges” where tourists pay to stay and to see bush babies. These lodges provide a sustainable income for small isolated communities and also a protected area for endangered primates (AWF.org). Aesthetically, the Rondo dwarf galago is “cute” and as stated by Endangered Species International, “Loss of biodiversity impoverishes our world of natural beauty and wonder, both for ourselves and for the future generations.”

            In conclusion, the Rondo dwarf galago is a small, cute, furry primate from Tanzania. It is directly threatened by human activities, which are leading to habitat degradation and loss. In spite of the fact that humans are responsible for the decline of this species, they can also be the catalyst of its preservation. Rondo dwarf galagos, and primates in general, perform many environmentally and economically important functions and should be preserved. Endangered primates face many difficulties and hardships, but with the help of dedicated individuals and conservation organizations it is possible to save these creatures from extinction.  

Works Cited

AWF.org. “Bush Baby.” African Wildlife Foundation, n.d. http://www.awf.org/wildlife-   conservation/bush-baby. Accessed 12 April 2017.

Eaton, Sam. “Tanzania is trying to turn charcoal trade from an enemy to a friend of the forest.”                PRI.org, 22 October 2015. www.pri.org/stories/2015-10-22/tanzania-trying-turn-   charcoal-trade-enemy-friend-forest. Accessed 14 April 2017. 

Ember, Carol R., et al. Anthropology. 13^th ed., Prentice Hall, 2011.

ESI.org.  “WHY PRIMATES  MATTER.” Endangered Species International, 2017.             www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org /news_jan17.html. Accessed 15 April 2015.

Gron, Kurt. “Lesser bushbaby, Galago.” Primate Info Net, 8 December 2008.                                            pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/lesser_bushbaby/cons. Accessed 14 April 2017. 

Gwegime, Justine and Gabby Wild. “Rondo Dwarf Galago (Galagoides rondoensis).” Edge of                  existence, www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=1402. Accessed 15                April 2017. 

Schwitzer, C., et al. Primates in Peril: The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates 2014–2016.                IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group (PSG), International Primatological Society (IPS),   Conservation International (CI), and Bristol Zoological Society, Arlington, VA. iv+93pp.