A swaythe of missing monkeys at Nakhon Sawan temple known as Khao Nor Temple and a discovery of 50 tranquillizer darts nearby has prompted locals to ask investigators to look into trafficking of Long-tailed macaques to nearby countries.
The dealers who are illegally trafficking monkeys in central Thailand typically sell them to be used in exotic food, zoos, laboratories, and private collections. According to a later report by Traffic, an organization that tracks the international trade in wildlife, monkeys are being captured from the wild and unlawfully traded in central Thailand.
The report found that dealers are trafficking monkeys to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. In Vietnam, the monkeys are used in a popular soup dish called noc nam, which consists of monkey bones and meat. The soup is believed to have medicinal properties and is often given to new mothers and the elderly. In Laos, the monkeys are used in zoos and private collections, while in Cambodia they are sold to laboratories for use in medical research.
The report also found that the majority of the monkeys being trafficked were young adult males. This is likely because they are less likely to be injured during capture and transport, and therefore fetch a higher price. The report estimates that over 1,000 monkeys are being illegally traded in central Thailand every year.
Khao Nor Temple in Central Thailand
Khao Nor Temple is a popular attraction among domestic tourists. Thais usually visit the area to climb the limestone mountain inside the temple and enjoy the panoramic views.
The trade in monkeys is having a devastating impact on wild populations. Monkeys are social animals that live in large troops, and the capture of even a few individuals can have a significant impact on the structure and stability of the group. The loss of adult males can also lead to an increase in infanticide, as rival males attempt to kill infants in order to mate with the females.
Punishment for Capturing Long tailed-macaques
Long-tailed macaques, also known as crab-eating macaques, are protected animals, and hunting or capturing them without permission is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to one million baht, or both, according to Section 12 of the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act.
Monkeys Trafficked To Further Afield Destinations
The trade in wild monkeys is a booming business in Thailand. But it’s not just the adult monkeys that are being targeted – the babies are too.
Around 3,000 monkeys are captured from the wild each year and sold to customers in China, Japan, Russia and the Middle East, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The animals are taken from their natural habitats and subjected to a life of captivity. Some are used in biomedical research, while others are kept as pets.
“The trade in wild-caught monkeys is a serious conservation concern because it can contribute to the decline of monkey populations in the wild,” said WCS Thailand Country Director Nisara Karunaratne.
” Not only are the monkeys being taken from their homes, but they are being subjected to a life of captivity and often abuse. This trade must be stopped in order to protect these animals.”
The Monkeys are Experiencing Stress and Suffering in Captivity.
The monkeys that are being trafficked abroad are experiencing a great deal of stress and suffering in captivity. They are confined to small cages, often with little to no access to sunlight or fresh air. Their diet is often inadequate, and they are not given any opportunity to exercise or socialize. This can lead to physical and psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm. The conditions that these monkeys are kept in are extremely harmful to their health and welfare. It is important to remember that these are living creatures, not objects, and they deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. We urge people to think twice before purchasing a monkey from a breeder or dealer, as they may be supporting this cruel trade.
The illegal trafficking of monkeys from central Thailand to countries like China and Laos is a growing problem. The monkeys are often used in the pet trade or for biomedical research. This trade is having a negative impact on wild monkey populations, as well as on the wellbeing of the animals themselves.
The person who possesses monkeys fto sell will face four-year imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both, according to Section 20 of the Thai Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act.
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