Seven species of monkeys and the pangolin classified as endangered

Takoradi, March 27, GNA - The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission has placed seven species of monkeys and the pangolin on the endangered list of animals in the country.

The monkeys are Olive Colobus, Black and White Colobus, Diana Monkey, Chimpanzee, Red Colobus, Bossman Potto and Bush Baby. Miss Exorm Ametordo, Assistant Wildlife Officer at the Western Regional Office of the Division, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Takoradi on Tuesday.

She said the endangered animals were not to be killed, captured or possessed as pets.

Miss Ametordo said farming and logging had destroyed the natural habitat of the animals and some of them had low reproductive rate. She said people also hunt the monkeys for food adding, "Although, hunting contribute to their depletion, habitat destruction is the biggest problem".

Miss Ametordo advised the public against hunting endangered animals to enable them reproduce saying, "Some wild animals are wholly protected and should not be hunted at anytime".

She said wild animals were protected by law in the country and could be hunted or caught by people who had valid game licence. Miss Ametordo pointed out that group hunting was prohibited and people were forbidden to use bush fires, dogs, snares, artificial lights or clubs for hunting.

She the country's Wildlife laws prohibited hunting in wildlife reserves and the killing and capturing of young animals or animals with kids. Miss Ametordo urged people who want to trade in bushmeat to obtain valid licence from the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.