Live non-human primate trafficking in Bangladesh: A growing threat to the remaining populations

Despite being crucial to forest ecosystems and biodiversity, primates globally face severe threats from trafficking, driven by demands for pets, traditional medicine, and biomedical research. Primate trafficking is a little-known issue in Bangladesh and has not been well-documented. This study investigates the recent trends and patterns of primate trafficking in Bangladesh from January 2021 to June 2024, utilizing secondary data from online news portals. We documented 19 trafficking incidents involving 32 primates across ten districts. Five species were identified as trafficked, with the capped langur, Bengal slow loris, and Western Hoolock Gibbon being the most affected. Traffickers predominantly targeted juveniles due to their manageability and appeal. Most of the animals were sourced from the Chattogram division and transported using public transport, with most interceptions made by the Bangladesh Police. Our findings highlight a structured trafficking network and call for comprehensive studies to trace the trafficking routes and economic transactions. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced conservation measures, stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws, and regional cooperation to combat primate trafficking effectively.

KEYWORDS:
Bengal slow loris; capped langur; conservation; Phayre’s langur; threat; Western Hoolock Gibbon