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First Evidence of Microplastic Ingestion by an Arboreal Primate
Summary
Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by an arboreal primate, finding green-colored plastic fiber filaments in the stomachs of two red howler monkeys in the central Amazon. The microplastics likely originated from decomposing ghost nets deposited on trees during seasonal flooding. The findings underscore that microplastic contamination has reached even remote forest-dwelling wildlife far from urban centers.
Here we report the first evidence of microplastic ingestion by arboreal primates. We found green-colored microplastic fiber filaments (< 5 mm) in the stomachs of two red howler monkey (Alouatta juara) individuals from central Amazonian várzea forests during seasonal floods. We infer that the plastic particles may have been derived from the decomposition of ghost nets (abandoned fishing nets) deposited on trees during annual flooding of the várzea forests. Our findings highlight the need for further research to assess the extent of plastic ingestion by forest-dwelling species and the possible consequences for the health of wild animals, humans, and ecosystems.
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