The just concluded Mobile East Africa conference saw the launch of the apeAPP. The apeAPp is an innovative mobile phone application that offers the public direct access to field projects that protect chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos in Africa and Asia. The apeAPP is available free to download from both iTunes and Google Play store.
Users get the opportunity to learn more about endangered species. They get to know their habitats, food preferences, survival threats and fun facts. This is through the exciting, colorful graphics, photo galleries, high-definition videos, and regular updates, the apeAPP. The app also includes a link for easy donations to support favourite projects.
Speaking on the launch, Doug Cress, programme coordinator of GRASP said, “The apeAPP was designed to bring modern conservation up to speed – that’s why we refer to it as ‘Mobile Conservation on the Go, it gives the general public an insider’s view of great ape conservation, but it’s also meant to introduce these important projects to audience they might otherwise never reach.”
GRASP ambassador Dr. Richard Leakey agreed with this. “It’s important to engage the public as closely as possible in the battle to conserve great apes, and the apeAPP is a timely step forward,” he said. “Now, private citizens can track field projects, follow specific apes, and support the work they find most compelling — all with the push of a button. The apeAPP literally puts great ape conservation in their hands.”
The apeAPP includes content supplied by GRASP partners, who include the African Wildlife Foundation (bonobos), The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (gorillas), the Orangutan Conservancy (orangutans) and the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project (chimpanzees).
“The world’s great apes are at increasing risk for extinction due to the rising pet trade, deforestation, and other threats,” said Jef Dupain, director of the great apes program for African Wildlife Foundation.
GRASP developed the apeAPP in partnership with i-Site.com, a Philadelphia-based software design company whose other clients include the National Football League, the (U.S.) National Dairy Council, Lego and Sprout. The apeAPP will expand to include other partners and projects.
GRASP is the only species-specific conservation in the United Nations (U.N.), and comprises 95 nations, research institutions, U.N. agencies, conservation organizations and private supporters. GRASP is committed to the survival of chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas and bonobos, as well as their habitats, across Africa and Asia.