Conservation Status & Threats - The yellow-tailed woolly monkey is critically endangered, one step away from complete extinction, due to the loss of over 80% of its cloud forest habitat in northern and central Peru [9][10] - Deforestation, often driven by unsustainable agricultural practices like coffee cultivation, poses a significant threat to the monkey's habitat, with the equivalent of over 50 soccer fields of cloud forest being lost daily [23][37] - The current population of yellow-tailed woolly monkeys is estimated to be less than 5,000 individuals, while there are 10 million coins in circulation featuring the monkey, highlighting the disparity between awareness and actual conservation [20][30] Conservation Efforts & Initiatives - Yunkawasi, founded in 2007, focuses on nature conservation and the well-being of local populations, working with communities to protect forests and promote sustainable development [15][16] - Community-based conservation efforts, such as the Corosha peasant community protecting 20% of their territory (equivalent to around 2,000 soccer fields), demonstrate the potential for local action [16][17] - The "Aliado por la Conservación" seal guarantees that products come from the conservation of nature and protected natural areas, promoting responsible consumption [24][25] - The Peruvian government enacted Law 32100, the "Law of the Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey," which outlines specific actions for its conservation and designates the first week of May for celebration and awareness [31][32] Call to Action & Future Needs - The "Achórate por el mono choro de cola amarilla" campaign aims to raise awareness and generate a social movement to demand change and promote responsible consumption [26][27] - There is a need to scale up conservation efforts, as current initiatives impact less than one-fifth of the monkey's forest habitat [32][33] - Individuals can contribute by making informed purchasing decisions, supporting organizations, donating time and talent, and sponsoring conservation initiatives [34][35][36]