The Robert Lunz Group

Representing Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina

Monthly Membership Meeting

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Membership Meetings

Membership meetings occur at 7:00pm on the first Thursday of each month at Baruch Auditorium, 284 Calhoun Street, downtown Charleston. (Part of the MUSC campus) Click here for directions.Click here for a map.

Thursday, May 2, 7 pm
Justin Jay: The Drill Project
MUSC Baruch Auditorium 284 Calhoun Street

West Africa’s Rare Primates and the Illegal Bushmeat Trade

Threatened with extinction due to the illegal bushmeat trade of West Africa, the endangered Bioko Island Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus poensis) is one of Africa’s highest conservation priorities. Due to their rarity and elusive nature, very little scientific research has ever been conducted on wild drills thus contributing to a lack of efficacy in conserving the species.

After spending months observing these animals in the old growth rain forests of Equatorial Guinea’s Bioko Island, conservation biologist Justin Jay has now set about to raise awareness for this incredible species. “The Drill Project” is a conservation initiative aimed at conducting scientific research and providing educational resources to address the cultural, political and economic implications of the illegal bushmeat trade. Through conservation outreach focused on the use of film and mass media, the project works to increase the awareness of these endangered animals and its fragile ecosystems.

By exhibiting drill monkeys in their natural setting within the context of Equatoguinean culture, the project uses an empathetic and educational message to instill a sense of urgent responsibility to the native population.

In this presentation we will explore the history and dangers of the illegal bushmeat trade and how it has decimated one of West Africa’s most obscure species of primates. The talk will also include clips from his conservation film project being aired in Equatorial Guinea with commentary from its creator. For more information please visit www.thedrillproject.org