Threats & What We Can Do to Help

Threats

The possible threats, mostly human-based, that are affecting the Squirrel Monkey are as follows:

~Habitat Loss b/c of deforestation

~Hunting

~Electrocution b/c of fatal power line accidents

~Persecution

~Pollution

~Natural Disasters

~Newly introduced predatory species (5)

What We Can Do to Help

There are many solutions in our daily lives and in extra helpful ways in which we can protect our endangered animal, the Squirrel Monkey. Since there are not exactly groups or certain laws, beside the obvious ones, dedicated to helping this creature, we need to take these things upon ourselves with the help of others by reaching out with information.

One solution to the problem of deforestation, along with habitat loss and tourism, would be to keep certain areas set aside that would be alright to allow people to walk through and explore, while the other areas in which the animal actually resides. This allows the country to still make money from tourism, especially if it's a popular place, but there won't be much, if any, harm to the surrounding places (5).

When dealing with the capturing and hunting of the Squirrel Monkey, there aren't necessarily laws to keep people from doing it, but where there is a great population of this species, the persons working there (staff) can keep watch over the area and animals in an attempt to protect them and, in the process, educate themselves (5).

There is nothing to keep from natural disasters from happening, but when they do, it is necessary for the community to come together and help by donating money, helping to clean up the location, or building new homes for the animals.

Since there is such an increase in deforestation, there become less and less trees, branches, or vines for which these monkeys to travel by around locations where there might be buildings or developments. Where there are buildings, there needs to be electricity and where there needs to be electricity, there needs to be power lines to connect that electricity. That being said, there is an increased chance for accidents near these power lines. If humans are not careful with where they place them, these animals will end up suffering, like many have already. Squirrel Monkeys use branches, and things of the like, to swing from tree to tree. If there are not trees, they use these power lines, which is causing the deaths of the species (5).

When it comes to pollution, everyone can chip in on that. It is the classic case of destroying habitats world-wide and to put a stop to it, every person needs to give a little and help the cause. If we don't help our world now, who will?