Illegal trade in Barbary Macaques

Barbary Macaques have the doubtful honour of being the most numerous on the list of animals waiting to be taken in by AAP. Nearly all reports of Barbary Macaques kept illegaly are made by private individuals, and in almost every case the animal's country of origin is Morocco. Even though trade in this species is prohibited both in Morocco and the EU.

Since 2004 an ongoing investigation ordered by AAP has been conducted in Morocco to determine the nature and scope of the trade. The scope turned out to be so large, that if no end is put to the trade, the Barbary Macaque will certainly become extinct. As a result, the Moroccan government has changed its viewpoint on the protection of this species. Also European governments have become more alert.

AAP's fight for the Barbary Macaque is continuing, since 2008 in cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund en the Species Survival Network.