By Helen Briggs BBC News
Endangered monkeys and apes could
face new risks if Africa becomes a big player in the palm oil industry.
Most areas suitable for growing
the oil crop are key habitats for primates, a study suggests.
The researchers, who are
examining palm oil's possible effect on Africa's biodiversity, say consumers
can help by choosing sustainably-grown palm oil.
This may mean paying more for
food, cosmetics and cleaning products that contain the oil, or limiting their
use.
"If we are concerned about
the environment, we have to pay for it," said Serge Wich, professor of
primate biology at Liverpool John Moores University, and leader of the study.
"In the products that we
buy, the cost to the environment has to be incorporated."
What is palm oil?
Palm oil comes from the oil palm
tree, which is native to West Africa. However, most palm oil is currently grown
in Indonesia and Malaysia.
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