In response to the decline of ape populations in Africa and Asia, the U. S. Government enacted the Great Ape Conservation Act of 200 0. The Act provides for the conservation and protection of apes by supporting conservation programs in countries within their ranges and the projects of persons and organizations
with demonstrated expertise in ape conservation.
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) works closely with national governments, U. S. agencies, and a range of other partners to ensure a strategic, results-based approach to ape conservation in Africa and Asia.
The Great Ape Conservation Fund (GACF) is soliciting project proposals for the conservation of gorillas (Gorilla spp.), chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), bonobos (Pan paniscus), orangutans (Pongo spp.), and gibbons (family Hylobatidae) throughout their ranges.