Wright, J. 2004. The primate pet trade in indonesia: A rural perspective. BSc Dissertation, Geography. University of Manchester

Abstract

As a result of anthropogenic exploitation, over half the world’s non-human primate species are at risk of extinction. Habitat destruction and hunting are the major threats to primate populations; however, it is often unclear which poses the greatest problem. The extent of the live-trade in pet primates across Indonesia is largely unknown. Studies to date have focused on trade at markets in urban areas, but other aspects of the primate pet phenomenon, such as extraction and non-commercial acquisition, have been ignored. This study assessed the magnitude of and the attitudes towards a primate pet trade, adopting a rural perspective. 130 interviews with residents and 6 interviews with government officials were conducted on the island of Buton, Southeast Sulawesi, during July and August 2004. There was no strong evidence of a commercial trade; however, the extent of local pet ownership and the level of harvesting are cause for concern. 30% of respondents had owned a primate pet and extrapolations suggested that 184 primates could be kept as pets in Buton at any one time. Trends revealed a substantial increase in primate pet ownership over the last 15 years. Findings indicate that negative attitudes towards wild primates, and the primary reason for the acquisition of primates as pets, stem from the human/primate conflicts induced by human encroachment and the crop-raiding behaviour of macaques. Farmers view eradication of the Buton macaque (Macaca ochreata brunnescens) as a favourable option and the current level of law enforcement does not prevent this. Whilst this report provides an overview of the primate pet phenomenon, in-depth, long-term studies are vital.