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Challenges and uncertainties in
MAKING population estimates
The quantity and quality of information available on both the
status and trends of ape populations, and on the threats to and
opportunities for conservation have improved considerably
over the last decade. However, because of limited resources,
it is still not possible to make regular status updates so as to
identify threats before they cause great damage. Nor is it pos-
sible to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation activities or,
if needed, look for promising alternatives. Several studies have
shown that ape populations can decline within a disturbingly
short period of time - over the course of months or even weeks.
For this reason, information on ape populations can become
outdated very quickly. The existing data on ape population sizes
and rates of change must be regarded as educated guesses.
IIt is likely that this situation will improve over the next decade.
The scientific and conservation communities are increasingly
joining efforts to combine local and regional information on
great ape populations to assess ape status, evaluate conserva-
tion activities and develop tools to assess ape population status.
The A.P.E.S. Portal was created to facilitate this process and to
provide the most accurate data.
Ape populations can decline within
a disturbingly short period of time
– over the course of months or even
weeks. For this reason, information
on ape populations can become
outdated very quickly.