Reports Sheds Light On Cambodian Monkey Trade

Red Orbit
Monday, 24 November 2008

In a report to be released today, the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) says Cambodia breaching international rules by allowing the capture of monkeys for research in the U.S. and China.

The report adds that thousands of long-tailed macaque monkeys are being taken and are being kept in cruel conditions until being exported. The group also says that the monkeys are raised on monkey farms that traumatize the creatures for life.

According to the BUAV, the unregulated trade is having an impact on the population numbers of the macaque monkey, leading to the degradation of Cambodian jungles.

"People around the world will be shocked by the findings of the BUAV investigation and to learn of the suffering inflicted on Cambodia's monkeys," said Michelle Thew, chief executive of the BUAV.

"At a time when there is growing international concern over the plight of primates, we urge the Cambodian government to protect its indigenous macaque population."

The macaque monkey is the world’s most common primate, including 22 species from Africa to Japan.

The macaque is a highly intelligent primate that adapts well to urban areas, but often earns a love-hate relationship with locals because of their playful ways.

According to the report, almost 10,000 monkeys where shipped from Cambodia to primate dealers in the U.S. and China.

International rules discourage using wild animals for research, but the BUAV says this is being ignored in Cambodia.

The group says that 80 percent of the monkeys died before reaching laboratories due to poor treatment.

The BUAV has asked the Cambodian government to regulate the capture of wild animals, and has urged the U.S. and the European Union to ban their import.