A group of primatologists got together and wrote up a manifesto to encourage governments to support conservation and economic development efforts in habitat countries so that wild apes do not disappear completely in the next 50 years (only 20 for orangutans). The authors and signatories, of course, support conservation not only because it will save the great apes but also the other species that live in threatened forests. They recognize that appealing to the public for support saving our closest relatives, who happen to be large, charasmatic animals, is more likely to spur action than saving a lot frogs or plants or insects.

In case anyone is interested, click here for more information and an opportunity to sign.