Most of us are at least vaguely aware of the taxonomic classification system that scientists have devised to identify Earth’s species. We have even classified ourselves in the Order of Primates. Primates are all in the Animalia Kingdom and in the Chordata Phylum, which is a classification for those species that have a backbone, or spine. We also fall into the Class Mammalia because we have mammary glands. We have numerous similarities to other primates, especially monkeys and apes. Given that we have so much in common with our primate cousins, including intelligence, should we not be highly concerned that more than 60% of them are endangered or facing extinction?
Not everyone cares about the thousands of other species on our planet. If they did, we would not have poaching and an illegal pet trade; but wouldn’t you think that they might at least have a modicum of compassion for these beings that are so similar to ourselves?
There are more than seventy Genera of primates. Some live in the treetops, deep in the rainforest. Snow monkeys live in the bitter cold of the Arctic. Primates can be found in all kinds of climates and even in cities, where they have adapted to human instigated dangers of crossing busy highways. There are still new species of primates being discovered in the few untouched areas of our planet.
Some species like chimpanzees and bonobos use tools. Like us, they are social creatures and they are devoted to their families. The females and even some of the males are highly nurturing; and some have developed complex vocalizations for communicating.
Many human beings refuse to acknowledge that other species have intelligence and feel emotion. Some of these same people remain in denial of climate change and global warming. They may not care about the rampant loss of habitat for millions of other species, or for the extinction of fish species in our oceans, or for the disappearing large cats of which most can only be found in sanctuaries and zoos. Perhaps these people could take a closer look at the primates who are so much like us. Maybe the primates can create a small opening in their hearts, where other species couldn’t, from which compassion can emerge. It is time to acknowledge that we are not the only intelligent animal on the planet. It is time to acknowledge that Earth does not belong to us alone. We are primates, too. We must save the primates if we are to save ourselves.
