|
SUGGESTED ANCHOR LEAD:
The first evidence that a native monkey was forced into extinction since Colombus' time has been uncovered in Jamaica. The
discovery by scientists from the American Museum of Natural History in New York and Claremont McKenna College in
California, supports new evidence of an alarming rise in the rate of extinction.
VOICEOVER
This is the newly discovered remains of a Xenothrix monkey, the first evidence of a native Jamaican monkey to have gone
extinct in the past 500 years. It is believed it disappeared shortly after European colonization of the island.
This fossilized monkey skull is included in an important exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History examining one of
the most critical environmental issues of today -- the impact of humans on the biosphere... and the continuing loss of plant and
animal life.
Ross MacPhee,
Exhibition Curator,
American Museum of Natural History
Xenothrix is an example of an island animal that has disappeared probably directly as a result of human impact on its
envrionment. We are in the midst of a turning point where, if we don't do something, we will probably lose tens of thousands,
maybe even hundreds of thousands of species in the next century or so.
VOICEOVER
Scientists say the extinction rate is accelerating alarmingly...largely because of human activities like farming and deforestation.
And while public awareness is increasing, a newly published Museum poll shows most people have limited knowledge of
science, particularly the crisis of endangered species.. a situation Museum officials are striving to change.
Ellen V. Futter
President,
American Museum of Natural History
This is part of the Museum's ongoing effort to bring major scientific and environmental issues to the public in ways that are
comprehensible. And if we had any doubt about the importance of this issue, the recent announcement concerning the possibility
of life on Mars, and last week's stunning revelation on cloning of mammals make abundantly clear why scientific literacy is so
important.
VOICEOVER
The leading causes of endangerment and extinction are explored using specially created dioramas, displays and live animals to
illustrate the ongoing threat to plants and animals worldwide.
Ross MacPhee,
Exhibition curator,
American Museum of Natural History
Unless we preserve habitats, the places where endangered species live, we can forget about them. We must be very vigilant in
insuring that the natural places of the planet survive long after we're gone.
VOICEOVER
The exhibition, "Endangered! Exploring a World at Risk," is on view at the
American Museum of Natural History in New York City through September 1.
For info, click here to E-mail Robin DeAngelis
or Call 1201 444-4517
Back to previous page.
|
