(UTV|COLOMBO) – Endangered monkeys and apes will almost certainly face new risks if Africa becomes a big player in the palm oil industry.
That is the message of a study looking at how large-scale expansion of the oil crop in Africa might affect the continent’s rich diversity of wildlife.
Most areas suitable for growing palm oil are key habitats for primates, according to researchers.
They say consumers can help by choosing sustainably-grown palm oil.
Ultimately, this may mean paying more for food, cosmetics and cleaning products that contain the oil, or limiting their use.
“If we are concerned about the environment, we have to pay for it,” said Serge Wich, Professor of Primate Biology at Liverpool John Moores University, and leader of the study.
“In the products that we buy, the cost to the environment has to be incorporated.”
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