GUINEA BISSAU: DNA REVEALS THAT 6 OF THE 10 PRIMATE SPECIES THAT EXIST IN THE COUNTRY ARE BEING ILLEGALLY TRADED FOR BUSHMEAT CONSUMPTION

In a study recently published by the journal Biological Conservation, an international research team that includes Maria Joana Ferreira da Silva, researcher at CIBIO/InBIO, demonstrates that 6 of the 10 primate species that occur in Guinea Bissau are being illegally traded for bushmeat consumption.

Image Credits: Cólobo vermelho, fotografia de Tânia Minhós

Equally alarming is the fact that according to the molecular analyses carried out, there is a considerable amount of error in the species identification provided by traders at local markets and restaurants.

The insights made available in this study are exceedingly important for the definition and management of conservation strategies to protect these animals. In fact, the incorrect identification of the primates being sold can foster the inadequate allocation of funds and measures to the preservation of less threatened species. Most importantly, it can lead to the overlooking of species that subjected to a higher hunting pressure.

Find out more about this study by Reading the original article: Minhós,T, Wallace, E, Ferreira da Silva, MJ, Sá, RM, Carmo, M, Barata, A & Bruford, MW (2013). DNA identification of primate bushmeat from urban markets in 4 Guinea-Bissau and its implications for conservation. Biological Conservation, 167: 43–49.

You can also watch RTP’s news piece: Primatas da Guiné-Bissau vendidos ilegalmente para consumo humano (Portuguese only)

or read the article published in Público newspapper (Jan 21, 2014) (Portuguese only)