International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 109-121 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 110 wide range of environments. The order Primates is divided into two suborders: Strepsirrhini, which includes lemurs, lorises, and galagos, and Haplorhini, which includes tarsiers, monkeys, and apes. Within Haplorhini, there are two major infraorders: Platyrrhini (New World monkeys) and Catarrhini (Old World monkeys and apes) (Bernard and Marshall, 2020). The Platyrrhines are distinguished by their wide nasal septum and are native to Central and South America, where they occupy tropical forests. In contrast, the Catarrhines, with a narrow nasal septum, are found in Africa and Asia, where they inhabit a variety of environments, from tropical rainforests to savannas and montane forests. The recent expansion of genomic studies has revealed significant genetic diversity within primate species, leading to the identification of new species and the reclassification of existing ones (Kuderna et al., 2023). Understanding the genetic and ecological diversity of primates is crucial for their conservation, particularly in the face of increasing habitat loss. 2.2 Geographical distribution of primate populations Primates are distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with the highest species diversity found in the rainforests of Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The geographical distribution of primates is heavily influenced by historical biogeographic events, such as the formation of rivers, mountain ranges, and climatic changes, which have acted as barriers to gene flow and led to the speciation of isolated populations (Carvalho et al., 2020; Garber, 2021). For instance, the Amazon River and its tributaries have been significant barriers to the distribution of several primate species, resulting in distinct populations on either side of the river (Boubli et al., 2015). In Africa, primate species richness is concentrated in the equatorial regions, where the availability of continuous forest habitats supports diverse communities. However, habitat fragmentation and deforestation are causing shifts in primate distributions, with some species expanding into new areas while others face increased isolation and population declines (Luo et al., 2015; Setchell et al., 2016). 2.3 Overview of habitat types utilized by primates Primates are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, where they occupy a variety of habitat types, including tropical rainforests, montane forests, savannas, and woodlands. The majority of primates are arboreal, relying on forest canopies for food and shelter. Tropical rainforests, such as those in the Amazon Basin and the Congo Basin, are particularly important for primate biodiversity, providing the complex, multi-layered habitats that support a high density of species (Stewart et al., 2020). However, some primate species have adapted to more open or seasonal environments, such as the dry forests and savannas of Africa and Madagascar. These habitats require different ecological strategies, with some species displaying significant behavioral and dietary flexibility to cope with the variability in resources. For example, the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) in Peninsular Malaysia demonstrates remarkable adaptability, utilizing a wide range of disturbed habitats, including fragmented forests, forest edges, and human-modified landscapes (Osman et al., 2022). This adaptability highlights the resilience of some primate species, although many remain vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation. 3 Climate Change and Habitat Alteration 3.1 How climate change is altering primate habitats Climate change is profoundly altering primate habitats through shifts in temperature, precipitation, and seasonal patterns. These changes directly influence the availability and distribution of vegetation types that primates rely on for food and shelter. For instance, the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in China faces significant habitat reduction due to rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, forcing the species to migrate to higher elevations to survive (Luo et al., 2015). This habitat shift not only constrains the monkeys' range but also leads to increased competition for dwindling resources. Similarly, in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, climate change is predicted to cause shifts in the distribution of key tree species essential for the survival of golden lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia), potentially leading to a
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