Why are monkeys from Costa Rica traded?

Many times captured from the wild, monkeys are marketed as exotic pets, or employed for entertainment. Because newborn monkeys are so sought for, poachers are driven to kill moms in order to obtain their young. This habit is harsh and drastically lowers wild population count.

Monkeys taken from the wild suffer greatly in both psychological and physical terms; they often die before they get at their goal. Those that make it survive could have infections, injuries, and trauma.

Ecosystems: Monkeys are very important in their surroundings since they help to distribute seeds and regenerate forests. Whole ecosystems suffer when populations fall.

Illegal trafficking adds to the endangerment of species such the Geoffroy's spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), already listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

Human Health Risks: Illegal wild animal trading raises the zoonotic disease risk by means of animal to human transmission.

What More Can Be Done?

Education and Awareness: Many purchase exotic animals without understanding the hardship involved. Raising knowledge of the effects of wildlife trafficking will help to lower demand.

Costa Rica had created along the years laws protecting its wildlife, but more work is needed in enforcement to stop trafficking and poaching.

Different organizations and wildlife rescue centers striving to liberate and rehabilitate trafficking monkeys depend on public and financial support. In the case of JRC, there are some animals that came from traffic.

Responsible Travel: Costa Rican visitors should support ethical wildlife encounters instead of sites allowing direct interaction with wild animals.

Although wildlife trafficking is a major problem, we can assist Costa Rica's monkeys be preserved and its amazing biodiversity maintained by raising awareness of it and acting.