Risk areas of illegal primate trafficking; estimating capture pressure and vulnerability

Abstract

We developed a model to identify and analyze the socioeconomic and spatial factors contributing to illegal primate capture in Mexico. The aim was to predict vulnerable sites and areas at significant capture pressure focusing on primate species, we gathered data from each municipality where these species are found. Calculations showed that regions with higher socioeconomic status, such as Quintana Roo, are at highest capture pressure. We found that the most vulnerable sites were close to roads and urban settlements, and areas at risk of capture were identified as those harboring multiple primate species. These findings have significant implications for intelligence and surveillance strategies as understanding capture hotspots is crucial to mitigate indiscriminate captures and safeguard primate populations.