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Future coexistence with great apes will require major changes to policy and practice

Author

Listed:
  • John C. Mitani

    (University of Michigan
    Ngogo Chimpanzee Project)

  • Ekwoge Abwe

    (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
    Cameroon Biodiversity Association)

  • Genevieve Campbell

    (Re:wild)

  • Tamara Giles-Vernick

    (Anthropology and Ecology of Disease Emergence Unit, Institut Pasteur/Université Paris Cité)

  • Tony Goldberg

    (University of Wisconsin)

  • Matthew R. McLennan

    (Bulindi Chimpanzee and Community Project
    Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oxford Brookes University)

  • Signe Preuschoft

    (Ape Protection Unit, Four Paws)

  • Jatna Supriatna

    (University of Indonesia)

  • Andrew J. Marshall

    (University of Michigan
    University of Michigan
    University of Michigan
    University of Michigan)

Abstract

The great apes—bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans—are critically threatened by human activities. We have destroyed their habitats, hunted them and transmitted fatal diseases to them. Yet we also conduct research on them, try to protect them and live alongside them. They are endangered, and time is running out. Here we outline what must be done to ensure that future generations continue to share this planet with great apes. We urge dialogue with those who live with great apes and interact with them often. We advocate conservation plans that acknowledge the realities of climate change, economic drivers and population growth. We encourage researchers to use technology to minimize risks to great apes. Our proposals will require substantial investment, and we identify ways to generate these funds. We conclude with a discussion of how field researchers might alter their work to protect our closest living relatives more effectively.

Suggested Citation

  • John C. Mitani & Ekwoge Abwe & Genevieve Campbell & Tamara Giles-Vernick & Tony Goldberg & Matthew R. McLennan & Signe Preuschoft & Jatna Supriatna & Andrew J. Marshall, 2024. "Future coexistence with great apes will require major changes to policy and practice," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 8(4), pages 632-643, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:8:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1038_s41562-024-01830-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01830-x
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