When it comes to human exploitation of primates, the animals are often just as valuable dead as they are alive. Their parts may be used in traditional medicine by people in some cultures and their bodies stuffed as hunting trophies by others. Worldwide demand for primate skins, meat and body parts is putting additional strain on their already dwindling populations. Unfortunately, in many cases the punitory fine for killing an animal for trade is much less than what a hunter can earn for selling it.

Primates in traditional medicine

In some places, particularly in Asia, people believe that consuming primate body parts will cure illness. For example, in India it is thought by many that eating monkey brain will treat rheumatism and that drinking monkey blood will cure asthma. Many of these traditions date back for centuries and are deeply entrenched. The fact that they are so widely accepted makes it very difficult for conservationists to step in and end such practices.

Hunting trophies

While it may be uncommon today to see a gorilla hand ashtray at a local bar, underground trade in primate parts is still occuring. The skin of the black and white colobus monkey, used traditionally in African clothing and, in the past, for coats and rugs in Europe and Japan, is considered particularly desirable. Hunting by foreigners who pay hefty amounts of money to visit Africa, Asia or South America and kill a primate as a trophy is another threat.

Sadly, even in countries where these types of activities are illegal, there are often not enough resources to enforce laws against them.