The Threat of Great Ape Extinction From COVID-19

Paula Casal, Peter Singer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The current pandemic could give several ape species the final push into extinction. Besides the direct harm the virus may cause to species that are very susceptible to human respiratory pathogens, the pandemic has also brought an economic crisis with lockdowns and absence from usual workplaces, resulting in increased poach-ing and habitat encroachment. The countries where the remaining apes live cannot shoulder alone the cost of conservation. Other countries with more resources have also contributed to ape extinction and are also implicated in the current pandemic. Moreover, international cooperation is essential for the conservation efforts needed to avoid depriving other hominids of their habitats, their cultures, and their future.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6-11
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Animal Ethics
Volume11
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Issues, ethics and legal aspects
  • Animal Science and Zoology

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Habeas corpus
  • animal rights
  • experimentation
  • extinction
  • great apes
  • international cooperation
  • nonhuman person
  • zoos

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