On the Conservation of Apes in Africa

Abstract

Recent advances in conservation biology are discussed for the future of the wild African apes. Forest destruction in the continent and fragmentation of the ape populations give rise to the serious possibility of continuous local extinction of apes. The spatial design of protected areas (single large or several small), the effective population size, the MVP, the Allee's effect, and synecological factors are considered. The participants who are concerned about conservation of the apes can contribute to their survival with these scientific understandings. Some personal opinions are proposed for the survival of apes.