Thai rangers free 143 macaques from smuggling nests!

Thai rangers free 143 macaques from smuggling nests!

In a dramatic rescue operation, Thai rangers have freed 143 long-tailed macaques from the hands of suspected smugglers. These animal creatures, also known as crab eaters, were crammed into plastic nets and baskets and were apparently intended to be resold illegally. The liberation took place in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo, near the border with Cambodia. Two suspects were arrested, while a small amount of drugs was also seized during one of the operations Northern Courier reported.

Although long-tailed macaques are protected in Thailand and listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List (IUCN), they are often captured for smuggling, traditional medicine or laboratory testing. The rescued animals are now finding shelter in a rescue station, where they are cared for and hopefully have a better life ahead of them.

Reassess the status of long-tailed macaques

The world of long-tailed macaques may soon take a new turn as the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) has questioned the IUCN's decision to classify the species as "vulnerable." NABR President Matthew R. Bailey said the original 2022 classification was based on incorrect data. Therefore, NABR established a technical review team to review the basis of this classification and submitted a formal petition for reassessment. This situation highlights the controversies surrounding the legal status of these animals and could have far-reaching consequences for biomedical research in which long-tailed macaques play a central role, such as PR Newswire notes.

The importance of these animals cannot be underestimated, as they are often used in drug development and medical research. Six out of 25 of the most commonly used prescription drugs came from studies with long-tailed macaques. This reassessment could affect the study and protection of a species that is still in high demand in many areas.

The challenges of the wildlife trade

But it's not just the case of the long-tailed macaques that raises questions. A recent study by an interdisciplinary research team has published alarming findings about the legal wildlife trade. According to this study, legal trade poses a serious threat to global conservation and sustainability efforts. Experts warn about the dangers of a market that is often mistakenly perceived as sustainable. The estimated annual value of the global legal trade in wildlife and plants is around USD 400 billion, posing a serious threat to biodiversity Leibniz community emphasized.

The research identifies four key areas where improvements are needed to make the wildlife trade sustainable. This includes rigorous data collection and a close link between trade quotas and international agreements. It is crucial that policymakers are made aware of the challenges posed by wildlife trade in order to halt the ongoing loss of species.

The rescue of the long-tailed macaques and the ongoing discussions about their legal status highlight the complex challenges facing conservation and research. The next steps will be crucial in finding a sensible balance between species protection and scientific progress.