Accra, Sept.2, GNA – The West Africa Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA), a non-governmental organisation, has called for renewed protection of endangered species as the world marked International Primates Day on September 1.
“Primates are some of the most intelligent and social animals on the planet, from playful monkeys to majestic great apes, they share many traits with humans and are vital seed dispersers for the health of their ecosystems,” it said.
A press release copied to the Ghana News Agency on Monday said WAPCA attached importance to Primate Conservation as 60 per cent of the species around the globe were at risk of extinction.
“Sadly, however, many primate species face threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade,” it said.
The release said WAPCA focused on the Critically Endangered Miss Waldron’s red colobus (Piliocolobus waldroni), white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus), Roloway monkey (Cercopithecus roloway), and the Endangered white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus).
“Through reserved breeding, research, community engagement, and conservation education, WAPCA works to safeguard biodiversity while promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities,” it said.
“In line with primate conservation initiatives, WAPCA successfully celebrated Mangabey Awareness Day (MAD 2025) on August 1, at the Accra Zoo under the auspices of the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.”
More than 200 participants, including conservation practitioners, private sector partners, sports organisations, government stakeholders, reps from the Spanish and Netherlands embassies, the European Union, and university students attended.
The release said: “WAPCA’s vision aligned closely with International Primates Day, highlighting that the plight of the white-naped mangabey reflects a much larger global challenge: the protection of all primate species worldwide.”
“As we celebrate International Primates Day, WAPCA and its partners have pledged to expand community outreach in forest-edge communities across the Eastern, Central, and Bono Regions,” it stated.
“These efforts aim to raise awareness about primate conservation and reduce threats such as illegal logging, hunting and other activities leading to habitat loss and degradation.”
“By fostering awareness and encouraging behavioral change, WAPCA and its partners aim to build a future generation committed to conservation and sustainable environmental practices in Ghana.”
The organisation called for stronger collaboration among communities, researchers, government agencies and civil society, emphasising that protecting primates meant protecting “our shared future.”
WAPCA commended its partners for the collaboration in championing environmental awareness.
They include Decathlon, Print Lounge, Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research, the Spanish Embassy, Heidelberg Zoo, A Rocha Ghana, Challenges Ghana, and the University of Environment and Sustainable Development.
The others are the University of Ghana, HELP Foundation Africa, Hen Mpoano, KASA Ghana, Wildlife Division, Cape Three Points – Princess Town, Ankasa-Tano, and Amokwaw CREMA, NoĂ©, and Ridge City Football Club.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe