NO to Trapping of Wild Monkeys for Research
PAWS and Action for Primates are calling on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to deny permission for wild monkeys to be trapped on the island of Romblon.
NO to Trapping of Wild Monkeys for Research
PAWS and Action for Primates are calling on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to deny permission for wild monkeys to be trapped on the island of Romblon.PAWS’ Plea to DENR: Please Do Not Issue Special Permits to Trap Wild Monkeys of Romblon for Research
The call comes following reports that the DENR is considering an application that, if granted, would allow monkeys to be captured for breeding farms that supply and export monkeys for experiments and testing.
The primate species in question is the long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis spp. philippensis). However, according to the most recent assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, this sub species of the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is listed as ‘Near Threatened’ with a population that is decreasing. Threats identified for the decline in this species were given as hunting and habitat loss. Also, as a species listed under Appendix II on CITES, the Philippines, as a signatory to CITES, has a responsibility to safeguard the conservation status of Macaca fascicularis spp. philippensis.
“The proposed capture of Romblon macaques is inimical to animal welfare and is a direct violation of our country’s Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147) – which strictly prohibits the collection and capture of wildlife in the absence of scientific research on wildlife populations,” said Anna Cabrera, PAWS Executive Director.
References:
1. Mayuga, Jonathan L. 2020-04-02. “DENR official sees revival of native monkey farming amid global virus contagion.” BusinessMirror. Accessed 2020-04-06.
2. Ong, P. & Richardson, M. 2008. Macaca fascicularis ssp. philippensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T40788A10354490. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T40788A10354490.en. ‘The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species.”
3. Estrada, A. et al. 2017-01-18. “Impending extinction crisis of the world’s primates: Why primates matter.” Science Advances 3(1): e1600946