Vietnam: Six kill, eat langur; live-stream act on Facebook
In a disturbing incident, six men killed and ate a langur, an endangered monkey, while live streaming it on social media in central Vietnam. They were arrested yesterday. The news isn't odd as trafficking and consumption of rare and endangered species is widespread in Vietnam. Apparently, many people believe the animals' body parts have medicinal and healing powers. Here's more on this.
One accused bought monkey for Rs. 3,431 from a hunter
One of the men had bought the monkey from a hunter for $49 or Rs. 3,431. The six men, aged 35-59, killed the langur, and ate it while simultaneously filming themselves with a mobile phone. They live-streamed the gruesome video on Facebook on November 17. They were arrested yesterday, police said, adding, "It took time for us to figure out the suspects involved."
Langurs are among the most endangered species in the world
The accused have been charged with violating Vietnam's conservation regulations on protecting 'endangered and precious animals' and they have confessed to the crime. Langurs, leaf-eating monkeys, are found in the northern part of Vietnam. They are among the most endangered species in the world.
Critics say conservation protection laws not enforced effectively
Vietnam is also home to other rare and endangered species like the Red River giant soft-shell turtle, the mountainous Saola antelope, and the snub-nosed Tonkin monkey. However, critics say conservation protection laws are not enforced properly, and poaching goes unchecked. The sale of such animals occurs in the black market. These animals feed the appetite of people in neighboring China as well.
