istockphoto/Eric Gevaert

Mother and child.

Primates face an abundance of factors threatening to wipe them off of the planet for good, but we can still prevent their loss if we so choose. Surprisingly, many people are not aware of, or choose to ignore, the fact that so many primates are on the brink of extinction. Unfortunately, primate conservation is low on the list of priorities for a lot of countries. The only way things are going to change is if people can learn to respect other primates not only as animals valuable to the ecosystems of the planet, but as our closest relatives who are in dire need of our help.

What You Can Do

• Do not buy any type of primate product: bushmeat, hides, limbs, medicine, etc.
• When buying wood products or products from rainforests and other primate habitat, make sure you seek out companies that use sustainable logging and farming practices. For example, palm oil plantations in Borneo are delving into orangutans’ natural habitat. Palm oil is used in things like soap, processed foods, and personal care products. By checking labels on these products, you can make sure you’re not contributing to the destruction.
• Do not buy any type of primate as a pet, discourage others from buying one and don’t  condone it if they already have one.
• Oppose the use of primates in entertainment such as movies, commercials, television shows, circuses and the like: don’t spend money on entertainment or products that exploit primates.
• Avoid profiteers who use primates as photo props (sometimes found at tourist attractions).
• Support projects to protect primates in the wild or their habitats.
• Don't visit roadside type zoos that keep primates in small cages.
• Don't frequent markets that sell primates as pets or hotels that keep them.
• Educate others about the plight of primates.
• Sign up for HSI action alerts to get involved and learn more.