Sri Lanka is considering the possibility of exporting up to 100,000 endangered toque macaque monkeys to China, a move that has raised concerns among conservationists, as per the country's agriculture minister. As per reports, the toque macaque is endemic to Sri Lanka and is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. The sale of live animals is nearly entirely prohibited in Sri Lanka, but with the country's current economic crisis, it is considering the proposal.
The agriculture minister has not provided any financial details regarding the sale. Minister Mahinda Amaraweera revealed that the Chinese government is interested in the monkeys for the roughly 1,000 zoos in China. A committee has been set up to study the request and to explore ways to carry out the plan.
The news of Sri Lanka considering the possibility of exporting up to 100,000 endangered toque macaque monkeys to China has raised alarm bells among conservationists worldwide. The toque macaque is an endemic species of Sri Lanka, and is currently listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list.
While the sale of live animals is largely prohibited in Sri Lanka, the country is currently facing an economic crisis, and the proposal to export the monkeys to China has been tabled. According to reports, the Chinese government has expressed interest in the monkeys for use in approximately 1,000 zoos across the country.
This proposal has, however, triggered concerns among animal welfare and conservation experts. Conservationists have warned that the export of the monkeys could have a significant impact on their already dwindling population, and it could potentially threaten the survival of the species in Sri Lanka.
The toque macaque is a unique primate species, and its ecological role is vital for the conservation of the forest ecosystem in Sri Lanka. The export of such an endangered species to a foreign country could lead to the disruption of the ecological balance and biodiversity of Sri Lanka, and the effects could be far-reaching.
Furthermore, there are concerns over the welfare of the animals that may be exported to China. China has been known to have a poor track record in animal welfare, and there have been reports of mistreatment of animals in Chinese zoos.
It is crucial that Sri Lanka takes into account the ethical and environmental implications of such a proposal, and the long-term impact it could have on the country's biodiversity and the toque macaque population. While economic pressures may be present, the government must consider alternative solutions that do not compromise the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.
Inputs from // Zawya
