Biodiversity: The disappearance of species may have crucial consequences for entire regions

Poaching and deforestation are just two of the main culprits behind the disappearance of species. In the jungles of the Amazon and tropical forests from western Africa to Indonesia - valubale hard wood continues to be harvested in areas that are nominally under environmental protection. But that doesn't stop corrupt officials, often in collusion with the military, from the systematic theft of a public resource. As forests are decimated - crucial habitats are being lost for a number of species - like primates already under pressure from poachers.