To protect the Endangered Barbary Macaque, stop their inclusion in the illegal pet trade, and preserve their natural habitat.
The Project
Funding the conservation work of BMAC, with the long-term aim of vanquishing the Moroccan Barbary Macaque "photo-prop" trade through the education of local people.
Macaques are incredibly adaptable animals. They live in a range of habitats from snowy Japan to the northern African coast. The Barbary Macaque, found in Morocco, Algeria and Gibraltar, is now classified as an endangered species by the IUCN. This is due to an increase in demand of them being bought and used as pets and performers. Wild numbers are estimated at 8,000 – 10, 000, but continue to fall.
Barbary Macaques are a highly social species who live in groups of 30 to 80 individuals. They forage both in trees and on the ground, spending a great deal of time grooming which allows close bonds to form between individuals. Both males and females share the care and responsibility of their young, emphasising the importance of family relationships.
Imagine, therefore, the trauma and grief of a young Barbary Macaque being torn away from family to be sold in to the pet trade. These animals are not domestic pets – they belong in the wild. While not posing and performing for their owners they are kept in small, confined boxes, more often than not, alone.
The BMAC project rehabilitates and releases wild macaques, supports authorities in wildlife confiscations, and educates the local Moroccans on the importance of saving this rare and inquisitive species. Education campaigns are also run in an attempt to encourage Moroccan tourists to not have their photo taken with macaques. Data is consistently being gathered in an attempt to show the world what a huge impact the photo prop trade is having on wild species of animals.
Blair Drummond helps fund the work of BMAC staff in Morocco and Algeria, allowing them to purchase the much-needed kit which enables them to keep monitoring and protecting wild Barbary Macaques, thus safe guarding the future of the species.
Where your money goes
Tétouan, Northern Morocco
Project Leader
We have chosen to continue to support the essential work of BMAC to continue the fight against the illegal pet trade in Barbary Macaques and their use as photo props for tourists. These animals are taken from the forests and their families. BMAC helps educate the local communities, rescues and rehabilitates and in some cases is even able to return these macaques back to the wild.
