The application states, "requests amendment of a permit to include lethal take of up to twenty captive born white-collared mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus) per year, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a five-year period.
In return, a mangabey study project run by Ohio State University researcher Scott McGraw in the Tai Forest, Ivory Coast would receive funds of $30,000 per year.
The US Gov't. Has Requested Citizen Input
The public has been invited to comment on Yerkes' application. This is our opportunity to speak for the primates. Will you help them?
Your written comments MUST be received by June 19. You can edit the email comments as you wish. This wording is only a suggestion. Don't forget to sign the email and include your address and phone number.
When writing, please reference Yerkes' request #PRT- 837068.
Letters are preferred over e-mails and phone calls. Please write to:
USFWS Dir. Dale Hall
c/o Fish & Wildlife Svc.
Div.of Mgmt Auth.
4401 N. Fairfax Dr.
Room 700
Arlington, VA. 22203
Fax = 703-358-2281
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Sample e-mail-
 dale_hall@fws.gov
Dear Dir. Hall,
Please DENY PRT-#837068, a proposed amendment to the Endangered Species Act. I believe the research Yerkes intends is not permitted under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act since it would not ''enhance the propagation or survival'' of the Sooty Mangabeys.
Also, of the approximately 300 Sooty Mangabeys in facilities around the world, Yerkes currently has 229 in their colony. If Yerkes' scientists cannot adequately manage a varied genetic colony with 75% of the world's Sooty population, it is doubtful adding a few will make a difference. Yerkes' colony has existed since 1968 and much opportunity to control genetic variables has been under Yerkes' control.
Yerkes' application to amend current ESA regulations for the purpose of HIV/AIDS experimentation is not warranted. After 25 years of HIV/AIDS research, Emory/Yerkes has had no historical success in combating this or any other disease. Using Sootys for research will provide funding Yerkes does not currently receive but will not improve chances for an HIV/AIDS vaccine.
Thank you,
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The Sooty Mangabey (Cercocebus atys), also called the White-collared Mangabey, is an Old World monkey of Guinea Bissau, Gabon, and Cameroon. It has social groups of anywhere from four to twelve individuals.