Help Rescue Primates from Illegal Trafficking

Thank you for donating to this important project - your support has helped make our Primate Rescue Project the #1 ranked project on GlobalGiving!  With less than 7 days to reach our goal, we hope you'll consider sharing our project with your friends or making another small gift to protect, conserve, and save endangered primates in Cambodia!

This week we would like to highlight one of the lesser known monkeys that need your help. While there are some macaque populations that are increasing due to a lack of top predators, the pig-tailed macaque is not one of them. Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable, their populations are declining at over 30% over three generations, and it is predicted that they will continue to decline at this rate or higher. Disappearing throughout much of their original range, Cambodia is one of the few countries where a significant population still exists, and Wildlife Alliance is fighting to keep it this way.

The pig-tailed macaque is a more nomadic species than other macaques, often traveling through the forest in large groups. They are excellent climbers and live in various tropical and coastal forests. They feed mainly on fruits and seeds, however they will also eat leaves, flowers and small animals. They live in troops of 15-40 individuals and maintain a matrilineal hierarchy. Although habitat loss is a major threat to this species, they are also widely hunted and traded. These highly intelligent animals are cruelly exploited in the pet and tourism industry, as well as illegally sold into medical research. While not as colorful or “exotic” as other species of primates, these clever monkeys are often considered a nuisance, leaving few supporters willing to fight for them. The Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT), however, does not discriminate. Since 2001, these dedicated wildlife heroes have rescued over 150 pig-tailed macaques, and with your help we can prevent the further decline of this species. Help the WRRT continue its impactful and determined work to save primates across Cambodia. Stand up for some of the less popular animals today!