Climate change could force monkeys and lemurs to descend from trees to earth

Rising temperatures will force primates to roam the forest in search of shade and water, a new study says.

Researchers at the San Diego Zoo’s Wildlife Alliance say global warming will force primates to roam the forest floor in search of shade and water.

The concern is that the move would put the animals at a higher risk of dying due to lack of food and shelter, as well as increased interaction with people and pets.

“Perhaps by spending more time on the ground, some primates could mitigate the effects of forest degradation and climate change; however, for less adaptable species, rapid and effective conservation strategies will be required,” said Dr. Timothy Eppley, lead author of the study.

In the study, 118 co-authors from 124 institutions around the world came together to assess the impact of global warming on primates.

“We have noticed that certain populations of arboreal primates spend more time on the ground. However, in places with relatively fewer disturbances, members of the same species may never land,” Dr. Eppley said.

The international team analyzed over 150,000 hours of observation of 47 species of monkeys and lemurs at 68 locations in the Americas and Madagascar. Their analysis showed that primates that consume less fruit and live in large social groups are more likely to come down to earth. At the same time, primates living in hotter conditions with less shelter were also more likely to move from trees to the ground.

According to the researchers, many of these species already live in fragmented and highly disturbed environments with little food.

The study also showed that primate populations that live closer to humans are less likely to migrate to land. The researchers also warn that the crossing could put monkeys and lemurs in danger.

Christina DENISYUK.

Source dailymail.co.uk

Photo by Shutterstock / Zita Stankova; San Diego Zoo Wildlife-Alliance