USM, PENANG, 21 April 2017 – Primates such as apes, monkeys, tarsiiformes (tarsiers) and lemuriformes (lemurs and slow-loris) are endangered species, and will face extinction in the next few decades if urgent action is not taken to conserve them.

A representative of the Malaysian Primatological Society, Dr. Nadine Rupert, who also lectures at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Biological Sciences said, these primates face a combination of threats, as a result of irresponsible human activities such as forest-burning, illegal logging, habitat fragmentation that have led to the wildlife losing their natural habitat, illegal hunting activities and animal trading in the black market.

“Humans are also strongly advised to avoid from keeping the primates as pets, not to touch them, leave the primates in the forests and protect the forests to make sure the primates are put under conservation efforts for the future of biodiversity,” added Nadine.

She also emphasized the need to report to the Wildlife Centre at 019-3564194 if there are suspicious actions detected and also for inquiries regarding wildlife animals.

Nadine was invited to give a talk on the topic of primates in conjunction with the Biology Exhibition Day programme organised by the USM Biology Society (Biosociety) in collaboration with the USM School of Biological Sciences here recently.

The talk was attended by close to 80 people from USM and non-governmental organisations.

Text: Nadya Nadira binti Ahmad (Intern School of Communications USM)