Coronavirus could lead to the extinction of many endangered species of ape, scientists have warned. Infectious diseases such as Covid-19 – caused by SARS CoV-2 virus – are a huge threat to great ape conservation.
The disease,which started in China, is posing a danger to a number of species already at risk of extinction. Earlier this month, a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York tested positive for coronavirus, and this week, more animals at the centre have been confirmed as having been infected.
All species of great apes, including gorillas, bonobos, chimpanzees and orangutans, are already endangered as a result of habitat loss, growing human encroachment and hunting.
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