The Stolen Future of a Squirrel Monkey: Illegal Wildlife Trade Awareness

Across the world the destruction of habitats and species can be directly linked to the illegal wildlife trade. This Squirrel Monkey, a victim of said trade, will now be confined to a life inside a cage, restrained from movement and the free life these animals are used to.

The scared, disoriented little monkey should not have ever, been condemned to this life...but the selfish actions of a poacher, and someone wanting a cute pet have decided his fate

According to the World Wildlife Fund, populations of species on earth declined by an average 40% between 1970 and 2000 - and the second-biggest direct threat to species survival, after habitat destruction, is the illegal wildlife trade.

Illegal wildlife trade, involves some species, which are are highly endangered. Conditions of transport for live animals are likely to be worse, and wildlife is most likely to have been obtained in an environmentally damaging way.

The existence of the illegal wildlife trade is also extremely worrying, as it undermines countries' efforts to protect their natural resources.

For example, the introduction of an invasive species which then prey on, or compete with native species. Invasive species are as big a threat to the balance of nature as the direct over-exploitation by humans of some species.

These animals are torn from their families. Babies, are torn from their mothers', who are often killed, to obtain the baby, hence, the destruction, pain, torture and other effects are endless.