为什么最迷人的最危险是什么歌

African forests, the green lungs of our planet, cover millions of hectares. They harbour a multitude of plant and animal species that represent a quarter of the world's biodiversity. Africa is home to no fewer than nine of the world's thirty-six biodiversity hotspots and three mega-biodiversity countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and Madagascar. These forests play a crucial role in maintaining the world's climatic and ecological balance.

Among the most emblematic inhabitants of these forests are non-human primates. Africa has the greatest diversity of primates, with 43 per cent of the world's 701 species. Five of the twelve countries with the highest number of primate species are in Africa: Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Cameroon and Nigeria. 

The inextricable link between these animals and the fate of the forests often goes unnoticed. By dispersing seeds they play a key role in the regeneration and diversity of forests. In addition, their proximity to humans, the place they hold in many African cultures, and their appeal to tourists make them important species from a scientific, cultural and economic perspective.

But deforestation, caused by commercial logging, urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and the development of extractive industries, is increasingly reducing their natural habitats. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Africa lost around 3.9 million hectares of forest per year between 2010 and 2015. Wildlife is also threatened by poaching. Elephants and rhinoceros, coveted for their ivory and horns, are particularly at risk.

Non-human primates are also under serious threat, with 62 per cent of the world's species endangered. The situation in C?te d'Ivoire is a good illustration of this crisis. The West African country is home to 22 species of non-human primates, 55 per cent of which are threatened with extinction due to the rapid loss of their habitat and illegal hunting. It has lost 67 per cent of its forest cover since the 1960s, making it the country with one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. In addition, 90 per cent of its chimpanzee population has disappeared in the last 30 years and several other primate species have been exterminated from most of the forests they historically inhabited.

Some species are already critically endangered. This is the case of the red-capped mangabey, the Roloway monkey, Geoffroy's black and white colobus and Miss Waldron's red colobus, which has not been seen in the wild since 1978. The Marais Tanoé-Ehy forest in south-east C?te d'Ivoire is one of the last refuges for these species. In 2000, a Miss Waldron's red colobus was shot by a hunter in this forest, and the calls of these monkeys were heard there by a research team in 2008. Since 2019, scientists have made an increased effort to locate them.

In this context, the scientific study of primates is more crucial than ever for preserving tropical ecosystems. By studying their behaviors, social interactions, and ecological adaptations, we can retrace evolutionary paths and understand how biodiversity has evolved.

Non-human primates play a central role in maintaining the structure and function of tropical forests. A better understanding of their behaviour and ecological needs means these habitats can be better protected. A study carried out in the Ta? National Park in C?te d'Ivoire showed that the West African red colobus is particularly noisy and uses the lower strata of vegetation during the rainy season, a period when poaching intensifies. The observation has led to a recommendation to increase surveillance patrols during this period.

Wildlife inventories also help identify the actions needed to preserve primate species. Ethno-zoological studies published in 2008 document the issues involved in their conservation and highlight the cultural dimension of their cohabitation with humans. By analyzing the genetic diversity of primate populations, it is possible to assess their resilience in the face of environmental disturbances. This information is essential for identifying the most vulnerable populations and directing conservation efforts towards priority areas. 

But carrying out primate conservation work in the field is very challenging. One of the main obstacles is access to research sites. Getting around tropical forests can be complicated due to their dense vegetation and remoteness. Researchers have to navigate through difficult terrain, crossing rivers and swamps. Transporting equipment and ensuring the safety of the teams requires rigorous preparation.

Researchers face a range of risks, including confrontation with potentially dangerous wild animals such as poisonous snakes. In addition, local conflicts, whether due to land disputes or poaching, can complicate their work. 

Communities living near research sites often have in-depth knowledge of the local environment and species. Their involvement is crucial to the effective implementation of conservation strategies. An example of this approach is the community conservation project in the Tanoé-Ehy Swamp Forest in C?te d'Ivoire. It aims to protect the habitat of threatened non-human primates while integrating the needs and knowledge of local communities.

Participatory conservation strategies include training local people to monitor wildlife, raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and developing sustainable, alternative economic activities. By strengthening the link between conservation and community well-being, these initiatives contribute to an environment that supports habitat protection. The results are encouraging: local populations have become active partners in reducing deforestation and poaching. In return, they benefit from sustainable development programmes that improve their quality of life.

The community conservation project in the Tanoé-Ehy Marsh Forest in C?te d'Ivoire, and many other projects of this kind, demonstrate the effectiveness of community involvement in protecting habitats and improving local living conditions. These research and conservation efforts must be continued to preserve the unique biodiversity of African forests. Everyone can support these initiatives at their own level, whether through public policy, funding or raising awareness, to ensure a sustainable future for these vital ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.