Rare monkey’s disappearance signals wider biodiversity crisis in West Africa, scientist warns
The possible extinction of one of West Africa's rarest monkeys should serve as a wake-up call for governments and communities to protect nature before more species and the ecosystems people depend on are lost, a leading Ghanaian biodiversity scientist has warned.
The possible extinction of Miss Waldron’s red colobus monkey, a rare species once found in the forests of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, highlights the growing biodiversity crisis in West Africa, warns a leading Ghanaian biodiversity scientist. Professor Edward Wiafe Debrah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), emphasized the need for immediate action to protect nature and secure the future of the region.
He stressed that the loss of this monkey is not merely the disappearance of a single species, but a stark reminder of the broader implications of biodiversity loss on our food, health, economy, climate, and future generations. Professor Debrah highlighted that biodiversity underpins various sectors essential for livelihoods across West Africa, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, and medicine, and that protecting it is crucial for sustaining these sectors and securing our future.
Brief written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
