Small primates in South Africa struggle to adapt to climate change

According to a reporter in Pretoria, a study of two closely related primate species living in the Soutpansberg Mountains in South Africa's Limpopo province shows that smaller animals may face more challenges when traveling. The climate continues to change.

Thick-tailed great ape (Otolemur crassicaudatus). (Photo: University of Colorado Boulder)

The study published in the International Journal of Primatology focused on two primate species, the thick-tailed great gibbon (Otolemur crassicaudatus) and the southern lesser rabbit gibbon (Galago moholi) . The thick-tailed large rabbit gibbon is about the size of a large cat, while the southern small rabbit gibbon has large ears and eyes and is small enough to fit in the palm of a human hand. Research led by primatologist Michelle Sauther at the University of Colorado Boulder (USA) and colleagues from the University of Pretoria, University of Venda (South Africa) and University of Burgundy (France) aims to discover a question. An overlooked question in the conservation field is whether large or small size changes the way an animal adapts to extreme temperatures .

The results showed that the thick-tailed great ape tends to be alert and active when the weather is milder. They rarely go out in temperatures above 24 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the Southern Lesser Hare has to be much more active regardless of hot and cold weather.

Researcher Sauther explained that the small southern rabbit gibbon weighs only about 150 grams and has a fast metabolism. That means they need to eat all the time. In contrast, large thick-tailed rabbit gibbons can store more body fat so they can rest in extreme temperatures.

However, Ms. Sauther said both primate species may have difficulty adapting to warmer weather . According to her, both species are not recognized as endangered, but they face increasing pressure from many factors, including the expansion of road networks across South Africa and trade. exotic pets.

Ms. Sauther hopes the discovery will inspire more research on small primates, emphasizing that this research is also a reminder that small animals also need to be protected.