Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
the behind-the-curtain savior of the same native fauna and flora. Today, the
majority of Mauritius' native forest remnants are found within the Black River
Gorges National Park, a 6,574 ha area proclaimed in 1994. The creation of
the National Park came together with the creation of the National Parks and
Conservation Service, a government unit that manages the park, offshore islets
of conservation value, and various other conservation projects.
To help them in their endeavor, the government created the National Parks
Conservation Fund. This fund is used to run conservation projects in Mauritius
such as forest restoration programs which weed out exotic plants, as well as
maintaining fenced Conservation Management Areas within the park. This
fund is fueled by money from the macaque industry through the payment of
annual trapping fees as well as a levy of US $70 on each animal exported. This
levy alone accounts for more than a US $250,000 annually (and is expected to
increase with the recent increase of the levy to $100/exported animal as well as
with the establishment of other breeding companies). There is no other source
of funding of this magnitude available for conservation initiatives on Mauritius,
making the macaque-export industry fundamental to conservation. Putting a
stop to this industry would cripple long-term conservation in Mauritius.
Apart from the conservation aspect, the impact of the macaque-export indus-
try on the Mauritian society cannot be understated. It contributes to the econ-
omy through export, it provides jobs, both direct and indirect, and it supports
local production by purchasing locally grown vegetables and fruits and though
their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs, helping the commu-
nity in various ways. For instance, Bioculture (Mauritius) Ltd has a CSR pro-
gram that encompasses a variety of projects at different levels (i.e., community,
local, and international) ranging from sponsoring community socio-cultural
events, long-term support of sports clubs, schools and local NGOs to direct
involvement in conservation projects in the region.
Conservation projects funded by a pest
species - a breeder's perspective
Bioculture (Mauritius) Ltd, established in 1985 as the first macaque breeding
industry in Mauritius, is recognized as one of the world's leaders in the supply
of naturally occurring SPF
Macaca fascicularis
to the biomedical industry. It
is regarded as having extremely high standards of animal care and welfare.
The company is ISO 9001:2000 certified, UK Home Office approved as well as
being accredited by AAALAC International (
Figure 9.4
).
Founded and run by dedicated conservationists, the company recognizes that
the backbone of its business is derived from a natural resource and, as such, felt
