An introduction to great apes, and why they are worth remembering
Remembering Great Apes is a book about the current condition and potential future of our closest relatives, the great apes. In the book, author Janette Wallis examines how the destruction of their habitats, poaching, the illegal ape pet trade and a host of other issues have drastically reduced the populations of great apes. In this book, Wallis focuses on three main species: chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas. She explores how each species can be saved and the necessary steps to take to ensure their survival and well-being. She also discusses the importance of understanding the unique traits and abilities of each species in order to protect them and ensure their habitats are preserved.
The first chapter of the book provides an overview of what great apes are and why they are worth remembering. This chapter also provides a broad overview of the different issues impacting the great apes, as well as current trends in their conservation. Wallis explains how, as our closest living relatives, we have a special responsibility to protect these amazing animals. She emphasizes that protecting the great apes means protecting their habitats, as loss of habitat is one of the biggest threats to their survival. An example of this is the destruction of the forests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a major habitat for chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas. By protecting these forests, we can ensure that these great apes have a safe and secure home, allowing them to thrive.
The next chapters of the book focus in more depth on the species of great apes and the threats to their survival. Wallis discusses the unique traits and abilities of chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas and the importance of understanding their needs in order to ensure their survival. She also focuses on the particular threats to each species, such as poaching, illegal pet trading and habitat destruction. For example, gorillas face a significant risk of being poached for their meat, and Wallis outlines the steps necessary to reduce the poaching threat and protect their population.
The book ends with chapters looking at the future of great ape conservation. Wallis highlights the successes that have been made so far in protecting the great apes, as well as the steps that need to be taken to ensure their survival. She stresses the importance of engaging the public in conservation efforts, in order to ensure that the great apes continue to be remembered and protected. She also emphasizes the need for new strategies to combat poaching and illegal pet trading, as these are two of the biggest threats to great ape survival.
Overall, Remembering Great Apes is an important book that highlights the current conditions of our closest relatives and the steps that need to be taken to ensure their survival. By understanding the unique traits and abilities of the great apes, as well as the threats to their survival, we can ensure that future generations will be able to remember them.
