Explanation and Answer:
Deforestation has a significant impact on monkey populations. Here are some key points:
Habitat Loss: Monkeys live in various types of forests, including swamp forests, mangrove forests, and riverine forests in lowland areas1. Deforestation results in the loss of these habitats, forcing monkeys to adapt to new environments or face extinction1.
Population Decline: Researchers project that if deforestation continues, the population of monkeys in certain sanctuaries could decline significantly. For example, the population of monkeys in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife sanctuary could decline by more than 1000 in the next 50 years1.
Increased Risks: Deforestation forces arboreal (tree-dwelling) primates to the ground more often, increasing their risk of interaction with people and predators2. This could potentially give them an edge over primates that can’t adapt as easily2.
Climate Change: Deforestation contributes to climate change, which further impacts monkey populations. Some species may be leaving their leafy homes more often as the warming climate affects tree canopies in their forests2.
Extinction: Considering both climate change and deforestation, some endemic primate species could have their distribution area reduced by over 90% by 2050, and about 25% of these species could become extinct in the next 30 years3.
In conclusion, deforestation has severe consequences for monkey populations, leading to habitat loss, population decline, increased risks, and potential extinction. Conservation efforts are crucial to mitigate these effects and protect these species.