Indonesian Primate Day 2015

There are over 440 species of primates, and more than 40 of them can be found in Indonesia. However, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in its Red-List of Endangered Species stated that a third of the whole number of the world's primate species are now listed as Critically Endangered or Vulnerable.

The IUCN has periodically published "Primates in Peril: The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates". In the 2012-2014 period, the list includes 3 Indonesian primates the Pygmy Tarsier (Tarsius pumilus), Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus), and Pig-tailed Langur (Simias concolor)

This does not mean that the rest of Indonesia primates are doing well. 70% of Indonesia primates are currently threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, and trade. Sadly, the majority of people do not recognize the perils behind their hobby of keeping primates as pets. They should have known that loving animals should not be expressed by putting the animals in cages.

Why must we end wildlife trade?

  • Most of the traded wildlife (95%) are captured from the wild
  • The process of capturing, transporting, and trading of the poor creatures are often very cruel. Many died in the process before they could get to the buyers.
  • Traded Slow Lorises are mostly toothless. They have had their teeth removed by poachers or dealers so as to make the lorises seem ... Their teeth were removed with pliers while the lorises were spun around until the teeth come out. Such torturing method often causes infections, which may lead to death.
  • In some parts of the world (including in Indonesia), the primates are sold for their meat and brain, as some people believe that primate body parts could be used as medicine although there is no scientiffic proof on this matter. The cooking and serving process are not less horrible because some primates are 'grilled' alive, and even the brains could be sucked while the monkey is fading fast!
  • Most of the primates kept as pets at homes are in bad condition like receiving insufficient and inappropriate food, being put in very small or dirty cages, having no counterparts, and having never been checked for diseases. Being in such a deplorable condition makes primates prone to zoonotic diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, herpes, and many more. Taxonomically, human is closely related to primates. Thus, almost all the diseases that can infect primates, can infect (be transmitted to) human too!
  • Many primate pets are traded and kept since they are very young and enchanting. When they grow older and bigger, owners often regard the primates as harmful and bothering them. So, in many cases owners would just release their primates anywhere without any thorough consideration, or even kill the poor pets!

Indonesian Primate Day, What For?

logo hari primata IndonesiaIt is impossible for the endangered primates to fight for their own life, and for their habitat. They need us, the aware people, to actively participate in ensuring their survival. The general public should be edified, to raise their awareness that primates should not be kept as pets. Also, they must be reminded that the hobby of keeping primates as pets is driving the animal to the brink of extinction. Remember: Every buyer and owner of primates has contribute to their extinction! As long as there people who seeks for primate pets, dealer will keep on selling, and poacher will continue capturing primates from their habitats.

Concerned about this issue, Protection of Forest & Fauna (PROFAUNA) Indonesia initiated an "Indonesian Primate Day" in 2014, which falls on 30 January. In the furture, this moment is expected to become a mass movement which is voluntarily celebrated by Indonesian people, to always remind us that we are responsible of protecting our nature, including the wildlife, dfor our own life.

Success Stories of Indonesian Primate Day 2014

hari primata Indonesia di AcehOn its premiere year, hundreds people took part in celebrating Indonesian Primate Day by holding public campaign incrowded spaces. There were 33 events in 22 cities in Indonesia, spead in 15 different provinces. Among the cities where Indonesian Primate Day was celebrated were Aceh, Samarinda, Bandung, Purwokerto, Surabaya, Bali, Kendari, Ternate, and Manokwari.

All those events were held voluntarily and independently by many communities involving students, various local communities, up to artists. In one day, all over the country there was a massive and unique movement that became viral, thanks to the press and social media. It was a breakthrough, and at least it has opened the eyes of the general public on how threatened our primates are.

Now It's Your Turn to Celebrate Indonesian Primate Day 2015!

Indonesia Primate Day ig going to be celebrated again this year on 30 January, en bloc all over the country. This year's theme is "Don't Buy Primates". It is your turn to show that you care about the conservation and survival of Indonesian primates! There are several things that you can do for this year's celebration:

  1. Holding campaign in public spaces (parks, schools, offices, campus, etc.) carrying Indonesian Primate Day 2015 posters
  2. Visiting schools, universities, or local communities for educational activity about primates
  3. Taking 'selfie' photos with Indonesian Primate Day 2015 attributes, then upload the photos on your social media. Don't forget to bring on your friends!

hari primata Indonesia di SamarindaPROFAUNA Indonesia will provide campaign materials including several poster designs (in .cdr format) and a CD containing films and presentation about primates (for those who wants to do educational activity). You can also create your own design for posters, stickers, and other materials - but don't forget to include the Indonesian Primate Day logo in it.

You can do this on your own, or with friends. After finishing your activity, please send the photo or video documentation by e-mail to: asti@profauna.net , and don't forget to upload it on your social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) page with #HariPrimata2015 hashtag.

Hundred people joined Indonesian Primate Day 2014 celebration, and now it's your turn! Be a part of a primate-aware generation! If you want to join the movement, please contact Asti by e-mail to: asti@profauna.net

© 2003 - ProFauna Indonesia

ProFauna Indonesia is an Indonesian society for the protection of
wild animals and their habitats