EAZA News 58-9 - European Association of Zoos and Aquaria

Approximately 500,000 larvae transported in plastic bottles photos sabine joosten
Important natural resources
Invariably, these problems all originate from human exploitation of the
forest regions, both directly and indirectly. Probably the greatest threats
are livestock grazing and logging for firewood and timber production.
These activities lead to the degeneration of indigenous vegetation,
causing reduced biodiversity and soil erosion. Forests in northern Africa
also play a vital role in creating shade, regulating the hydrology of the
area and providing drinking water. The trees retain the soil, and generate
cooler and wetter microclimates for plants, animals and humans. Reduced
rain and snowfall have led to severe droughts since the 1990’s. There is a
deleterious effect on the Moroccan water supply, 60% of which is provided
by the Middle Atlas forest. Climate change is already and will only
progressively stress the already degraded ecosystem. The consequences
are potentially disastrous for both animals, such as the Barbary macaque,
and local communities depending heavily on the forest resources.
The European link
Apart from being a local problem, the Barbary macaque can actually be
considered a true ‘European issue’ for several reasons. The close economic
and cultural connections between northern Africa and Europe links us
to the macaques' countries of origin. The Barbary macaque is the only
primate species close to Europe (once even an inhabitant of part of
Europe), and an introduced feral population of a few hundred animals
lives on the Rock of Gibraltar. An estimated 300 animals are caught from
the wild annually for the illegal pet trade into Europe. Captive-bred
populations are kept in many European zoological institutions. Knowing
that Barbary macaques in northern Africa and their natural habitat are
currently offered very limited protection, despite their low numbers and
rapid decline, it seems logical to become involved in the protection of this
unique species.
Current conservation measures
Though most habitats of the Barbary macaque in Algeria benefit from a
national park status, in Morocco the largest part of their habitat falls
outside of protected areas. There are however serious plans to give
protected area status to the central Middle Atlas. As a CITES II species,
the collection and export of macaques are regulated by a system of
permits in both Morocco and Algeria, but enforcement of the legislation
is minimal. As the trade was thought to have a harmful effect on the
survival of the species, imports into the EU were suspended in 2000
under the provisions of article 4.6b of EC Regulation 338/97.
conservation
These remain in force under the most recent EC suspensions regulation
EC252/2005. In effect these measures have no influence on the active
illegal trade. The limited protection measures unambiguously pose a
direct threat to the survival of the species.
Action is needed
Through cooperation on a practical and political level it seems that a
change for the better is in sight. Local and international research is providing
a lot of information on the harmful developments in Barbary macaque
habitat such as the Middle Atlas. IUCN, WWF, the Moroccan Ministry of
Forest and Water and many specialists in the field have identified the causes
of the problems, and more importantly, the proper solutions. Various
measures have been recommended to reduce the chances of the Barbary
macaque becoming extinct, and turning around unsustainable human
land use in north Africa. Action points discussed include creating a management
plan for conservation and sustainable development, the strict
enforcement of national park guidelines, increased forest guard activities,
upgrading CITES listing of the Barbary macaque, better enforcement of
the CITES laws, strict border control and assisting local communities to
implement an alternative economy to livestock keeping. Over the next
few years a great deal of attention needs to be devoted to putting these
strategies into practice.
Raising awareness and educating both the local and international community
is the key to gathering the support needed to successfully achieve
these goals. This is where professional organisations such as EAZA can make
a considerable contribution. The Barbary macaque in captivity can be used
as an ambassador, illustrating how we need to promote sustainable use
of our nearby natural resources. We must help to safeguard the long-term
survival of these unique and valuable regions such as the Middle Atlas
Mountains, for the benefit of both humans and animals. •
Barbary macaques are being monitored by the EAZA Old World Monkey
TAG. Currently, ISIS lists 102.146.37 Barbary macaques in EAZA institutions.
However, much more animals are held at non-EAZA institutions
and/or non-ISIS institutions, and it might well be that the Barbary
macaque is the most commonly kept primate in captivity in Europe.
This article has been abridged and the references were left out due to space limitations. For the original full version of the article including reference details, please refer to the ‘Magazine’ section of the EAZA website.
eaza news 58
2007
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