Primate Peril

When humankind is out of control,

The world suffers a giant loss.

Threats of mass extinctions aren't

Difficult to come across.

 

More than half of the world's primates

Are on the verge of extinction due

To agriculture, logging, mining,

And hunting. Where's the hullabaloo?

Lemurs, chimps, orangutans,

And lowland gorillas are under threat.

When we endanger others, we also

Endanger ourselves, don't forget.

 

Habitat loss, climate change,

Wildlife trade…. Scientists fear

That if these are not halted, many

Primates will sadly disappear.

 

We're talking about numerous species--

A couple hundred, not just dozens.

What is wrong with Homo sapiens?

How could we do that to our cousins?

 

(2-6-17)