International Primate Day September 1, 2024

Today is International Primate Day! The order Primates is one of the most species-rich groups of mammals, third only to Bats and Rodents. Over 500 species belong to the primate order, including lemurs, tarsiers, monkeys, and apes! Two thirds of all primates can be found in just four countries – Brazil, Madagascar, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Primates mostly live in the jungles of Central & South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. However there are a few unique species that live in temperate areas, where there are warm summers, but winters can become very cold and snowy. Most primates are found living near the equator. Primates, ranging from charismatic chimpanzees and the gentle gorillas to the elusive monkeys that share a unique connection with humans due to their striking similarities in behavior, intelligence, and genetic makeup. More than one-third of primate species are considered critically endangered or vulnerable according to the IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature). Primates serve an important role in maintaining healthy forests and ecosystem, which is why protecting them is so important. It was fun putting together today’s montage and revisiting many of the zoos that we have been happy to visit. Enjoy today’s post my fellow primates!