Plastic pollution and human–primate interactions: A growing conservation concern

Abstract

As an anthropogenic creation, plastic pollution is a form of human–wildlife interaction and an emerging conservation threat to a growing number of species in both terrestrial and marine environments. Although plastic pollution has spread worldwide and a growing body of literature shows its effects on human health, little is known about its impact on our closest living relatives, nonhuman primates, and their habitats. With over 60% of primate species already under threat of extinction, plastic pollution in their habitats poses a unique problem, exposing them to physical harm, synthetic chemicals, and pathogens through ingestion, entanglement, and oral manipulation. Moreover, through its presence in soil, air, and waterways, plastic pollution leads to environmental degradation and reduces the quality and ecological functionality of primate habitats. This perspective article covers what is known so far about plastic pollution as a conservation threat to nonhuman primates. It is a call for primatologists to address plastic pollution in our research and conservation initiatives. By collecting data on plastic pollution’s presence and assessing its impact on primates and their habitats, we can develop safe protocols and prevention strategies to combat the threat of plastic pollution in the Anthropocene.

Keywords

• plastic pollution
• primates
• conservation
• human–wildlife interaction
• transport and wildlife vectors