Chimps feed on oil palm fruit. (Photo Credit: Henry Camara-Bossou)
The booming oil palm industry in West and Central Africa could have a negative impact on great apes, a new study shows. The authors estimate that nearly 40% of the distribution of great ape species on unprotected lands overlaps with suitable oil palm areas.
The countries most at risk are Gabon, Congo, and The Democratic Republic of Congo. Authors call for guidelines such that oil palm agriculture can develop in a way that will not harm great apes such as gorillas and chimpanzees.
Original research paper published in the journal Current Biology on July 10, 2014.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
