According to our member organisation Stichting AAP Barbary macaques, the only primate species north of the Sahara desert, are on the verge of extinction. In the last 30 years their population in Morocco and Algeria has decreased dramatically from approximately 23.000 to only 8.000 nowadays, a staggering 65% drop . A new report by Utrecht University researcher Daan van Uhm reveals that an estimated 200 Barbary macaques, mostly infants, are being captured in the wild in Morocco every year to feed the European illegal pet trade and tourism industry. This number alone surpasses the population replacement rate. If the European Union and Morocco do not take the necessary steps to stop illegal trade now, this unique species could become extinct. The report also shows that the trade in Barbary macaques is increasingly organized by international criminal bands. Corruption among Moroccan officials and lack of resources also contribute to the problem.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:30:49 +0000