The uakari monkey's primary threat is deforestation. The Amazon rainforest, where they reside, has faced extensive logging and land clearing for various purposes such as agriculture, cattle ranching, mining, and expanding human settlements. This significant loss of habitat has fractured and isolated populations, reducing genetic diversity and making them vulnerable to decline.
Hunting
Uakari monkeys are hunted for food and the black market trade in exotic pets. Their distinctive red or orange fur makes them particularly appealing to collectors. Hunting pressure has greatly affected wild populations, even in remote areas.
Climate Change
Climate change poses a threat to uakari monkeys and the Amazon rainforest. Altered rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and changing vegetation can impact their food sources and disrupt ecosystem dynamics. These altered conditions can negatively affect the monkey's survival, reproduction, and overall health.
Other Factors
Uakari monkeys are subject to other threats as well, including infectious diseases transmitted from humans, habitat fragmentation due to road construction, and potential contamination of their environment from mining and agricultural activities. These additional challenges contribute to their endangered status.