NO KIDDING, CHINA WANTS 1 LAKH SRI LANKAN MONKEYS. BUT WHY?

May 22, 2023 BY: Bechu S

Monkeys on sale?

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka is exporting 1,00,000 monkeys to China. Credit: iStock

Sri Lanka's own 'Vanara':

It is the 'toque macaque' monkeys, endemic to Sri Lanka, that are being exported to China. Credit: iStock

Endangered species:

Toque macaques are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. Credit: iStock

Not a deal between the governments:

According to Sri Lanka's Ministry of Agriculture, it is a privately-owned Chinese company connected to Zoological Gardens and animal breeders that made the request for the monkeys. Credit: iStock

Financial crisis & wildlife conservation:

Sri Lanka recently removed several species from its protected list, allowing farmers to kill them. It included all three of its monkey species as well as peacocks and wild boars. Credit: iStock

The man-animal conflict angle:

The toque macaque is known to destroy crops in several parts of Sri Lanka. Credit: iStock

Sri Lankan monkey facts:

Sri Lanka's monkey population is estimated to be between two to three million. Credit: iStock

Because, it is China!

Environmental groups of the island nation are on a warpath against the deal. They point out China is infamous for using animals for lab tests and other experiments. Credit: iStock

Chinese confirmation of doubts?

Meanwhile, China's embassy in Colombo said that it is unaware of the export of “endangered” monkeys to a private company for “experimental purposes”. Credit: iStock

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