SCIENCE NEWS
May 22, 2001
Saving the Great Apes
United Nations kicks off program to protect the world's endangered apes
 This mountain gorilla is one of about 610 left in the world. |
From Africa to southeast Asia, the world's great apes are in danger of becoming extinct. The United Nations is on a mission to save these precious animals -- gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonoboes -- from dying off. Experts say many could be extinct in five to 10 years if nothing is done to stop the destruction of their habitats, or environment.
Humans' Closest Relative
Great apes belong to a group of animals known as primates, which also includes humans and monkeys. Most primates have complex brains, fingernails instead of claws and a sense of curiosity. Great apes still live in 23 countries and experts working to save them are hoping to keep it that way. "We can no longer stand by and watch these wondrous creatures, some of whom share more than 98 percent of the DNA found in humans, die out," said program Executive Director Klaus Toepfer. (DNA is the substance that makes up our genes--the chemical instructions, or code, that make each plant and animal what it is.)
 |  Orangutans' natural habitat on Indonesia's Borneo Island is being threatened by logging and forest fires. |
The Most Endangered Great Apes
Projects are planned to save Cross River gorillas in the Afi Mountains of southern Nigeria, chimpanzees in the Ivory Coast and orangutans in Indonesia's Tanjung Putting National Park. Officials say the Cross River gorillas in Nigeria are the most critically endangered great apes in the world. Because of logging (the cutting down of trees which destroys an animal's habitat) and hunting, there are only about 150 Cross River Gorillas left on the entire planet!
Getting the Program Started
Experts say that at least $1 million is needed to begin work on the Great Apes Survival Project (or GRASP). So far, the UN has contributed $150,000 to kick off the project. UN officials are asking big companies and organizations to donate the rest of the money that is needed. UN officials are hoping the new program will teach people how great apes can help a country's economy because people will want to visit a place with such special animals. Great apes are very important for other reasons, too. Gorillas help forests because they prune trees, which means they remove dead pieces to keep the trees and forests healthy. This also helps people who rely on forests for fuel, building materials, medicine and food.
What do experts plan to do with the money they receive to save the great apes? For starters, they will supply rangers with equipment to keep better track of the animals. They will also build wildlife areas that connect to broken or damaged habitats where the animals live. Finally, they will teach people how important great apes are to the circle of life all over the world.
