What Are the Different Types of Endangered Monkeys?
There are literally dozens of types of endangered monkeys, although many of them are not well known by the general population. Of the approximately 264 species of monkeys found in the wild today, about 52 are labeled as endangered or critically endangered on the Worldwide Endangered Species List. In order to be endangered, an animal must be dwindling in numbers rapidly enough to threaten extinction. The main reason for so many types of endangered monkeys being listed is that hunters sometimes trap and kill these species for their meat or fur. In addition, many of their habitats are being destroyed by a growing human population. Although these practices have been outlawed in many areas because these animals are considered in danger of extinction, hunting and expansion still continue in other parts of the world. Other monkeys are endangered because of illness, as certain types are especially prone to viruses and other infections.