IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), Primate Specialist Group

One of the challenges facing great ape conservation is the rising level of interaction between humans and great apes, and the resulting conflicts that emerge. It is essential that we develop a comprehensive understanding of existing and potential conflict situations, and their current or future impacts on both great apes and humans.

In some areas of western equatorial Africa, ape populations have declined by more than 50% over the last twenty years. By far the most serious short-term threats to apes in this region are poaching and disease epidemics. In the longer term, however, it is believed that habitat loss and disturbance will become as serious a threat as hunting and disease.

This report, compiled by 85 experts from across the world, reveals that nearly half of all primate species are now in danger of becoming extinct from destruction of tropical forests, illegal wildlife trade and commercial bushmeat hunting. The list includes five primate species from Madagascar, six from Africa, 11 from Asia, and three from Central and South America, all of which are the most in need of urgent conservation action.

Un des défis auxquels la conservation des grands singes doit faire face est l’interaction croissante entre les humains et les grands singes, et les conflits que cela génère. Il est impératif de développer une compréhension détaillée des situations de conflit actuelles et potentielles et leurs impacts présents et futurs à la fois sur les grands singes et les humains.

Re-introduction is one tool for conserving great apes and their natural habitats. These guidelines adapt other IUCN documents to pertain specifically to the re-introduction of great apes.

Les menaces conjuguées auxquelles font actuellement face les derniers grands singes appellent des mesures de conservation immédiates à tous les niveaux -- des initiatives portant sur des sites particuliers aux conventions et plans d'action internationaux, en passant par les stratégies nationales et régionales.

One of the challenges facing great ape conservation is the rising level of interaction between humans and great apes, and the resulting conflicts that emerge. It is essential that we develop a comprehensive understanding of existing and potential conflict situations, and their current or future impacts on both great apes and humans.

The combination of threats currently facing the remaining great apes requires immediate conservation action at all scales – from site-level initiatives, through national and regional strategies, to international conventions and action plans. This document outlines current approaches to great ape surveys and monitoring for field biologists, protected area managers, government wildlife departments and the conservation community at large.

Les chances de conserver ces grands singes en danger seront considérablement améliorées si les compagnies forestières sont prêtes à apporter quelques aménagements à leur politique de gestion des concessions forestières.