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Despite all the actions already taken, the species is still declining in numbers. If the decline is not halted in the near future, it will be too late. The following actions are needed:
CITES Uplisting Appendix I – the Barbary macaque is currently listed on Appendix II of CITES. An uplisting to Appendix I would mean better law enforcement in the habitat countries and lead to higher penalties of smugglers and traders. In 2010 the CoP of CITES will take place in Qatar and MPC is working hard on an uplisting to Appendix I.
Management plan Parc National d'Ifrane – at this moment, a management plan is being developed for Parc National d'Ifrane. The most important measure that is needed is a very large reduction in livestock grazing, a plan for zonation of grazing, so that areas can regenerate and some areas are off limits for grazing, less human activities in the region, strict controlled logging, and effective replanting of cedar and oak trees. All human impact in this region should be sustainable and a balance is required between human activities and nature. More forest guards are needed, with a higher income so that they feel the need to really protect the area's, and they need a structure in which they can enforce the laws when people break them.
Education of local people – local communities should be educated on the fact that saving the forests and its inhabitants is in their own interest. However, not only on local level people should be educated, also on national level it is important to change the attitude towards preserving wildlife and their environment (use as example Cascades d'Ouzoud).
Strict law enforcement on trade – the open trade of Barbary macaques on the markets in Morocco should end. Traders should be punished and macaques that are offered for sale should be confiscated immediately. It is expected that if the open trade is put to a halt, that the trade in Barbary macaques will decrease up to 60%. High penalties should be implemented.
Education of potential buyers – in Europe the potential buyers should be informed about the illegality and the risks of buying Barbary macaques as a pet during their stay in Morocco.
Rescue and rehabilitation center – a rescue and rehabilitation center is needed in Morocco so that the confiscated macaques can be taken there for shelter and possibly be reintroduced in the future. SPANA (www.spana.org) and MPC are already working on this aspect, but it should be created quite soon. The most important goal is that the douane and HCEFLCD have a place to take the confiscated macaques to and that this way less macaques will end up in Europe.
Strict control at borders – the Moroccan customs should increase the control on wildlife trade from Morocco to Spain. At the moment Morocco serves as a passage from West/ North Africa to Europe when it comes to trade in wildlife (products). In October 2009 WWF MedPo, SSN together with MPC organised the first CITES training for the Moroccan customs officers. |
