The hand singed by the blowtorch looks human. Close inspection reveals that it belongs to a drill, a baboonlike primate, for sale in the bush-meat market in Malabo, the Bioko Island capital of Equatorial Guinea. Scorching flesh brings a higher price for monkey meat, a delicacy in this part of the world. Photographer Joel Sartore captured this alarming scene, hoping to provoke change. He was part of an International League of Conservation Photographers project called a RAVE (Rapid Assessment Visual Expedition) to document wildlife on Bioko.
Bioko’s bush-meat trade threatens animals like this young drill.
There, primates are hunted and sold through a growing trade fueled by money earned in nearby oil fields. The commitment to make a difference motivated three other National Geographic photographers—Tim Laman, Ian Nichols, and Christian Ziegler—to accompany Joel. National Geographic and Conservation International sponsored the expedition. Along with writer Virginia Morell, Joel, Tim, Ian, and Christian have produced a startling story for this issue. We hope their work will raise awareness of the need for conservation on the island, to help ensure Bioko remains what one biologist calls a “monkey paradise.”
Photograph by Joel Sartore
Filed Under: animals, Chris Johns, environment, magazine, National Geographic, photography
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Comments
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
The photos are lovely, the text is fascinating. The flip side is that existing customers are being charged twice the rate that new customers can subscribe at. There is something askew with this type of marketing. My family has subscribed for over 40 years, and I am dropping my subscription as a result of this NGM marketing miscue.
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
The National Geographic is the best scientific journal in the world today.
But, you must promote recommendations like those of Lamar Alexander: "A NEW MANHATTAN PROJECT FOR CLEAN ENERGY INDEPENDENCE" with a much greater sense of urgency.
http://www.lamaralexander.com/index.cfm?Fuseaction=PressReleases.View&PressRelease_id=566d4645-41fb-403b-904f-30bfbd240bc9&Label_id=&Year=&Month=
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
I was waiting for a story on the mideast and there it is, ancient Iran
It shows how a multilayered culture with deep historical roots cannot and should not be treated by the West as a simple society using a narrow short sighted view, in the name of political ideology and expediency.
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
In the July issue, Chris Johns says "3,000 men fought the fire". The caption of the photo talks about a "fire man" although it is not clear what the gender of the fire fighter really is. Shame on you Mr. Johns. Are you not aware that brave women in the Fire Service continue to be called "Fire Men" because of bad examples like this?
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
I just wanted to say i appreciate some of the great things National Geographic is doing for the world today and everyday.I would love join National Geographic.Is there a way I could join to help the planet with one of the worlds best magazines?
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
iam a photographer from iran plaese see may photo and guidance me tanks
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
I would love to learn more about how I can begin a career with the society that has been a part of my life for soo long. It has been a life long dream to be a part of this organization and now I'm doing it.
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
Must say I agree with Mr/Mrs
S. Henn.
On the other hand, we're supposed to renew our subscription to the magazine now (it will expire in October) and we won't do it.
We prefer to donate the $40 to the Society and read the magazine at the library.
Would love to see an online version of the magazine, and pay a subscription for it. Reusing it's better than recycling and before reusing it's reducing paper consumption.
Maybe a few months ago, we read for the first time the mice text of the drugs ads (it was supposed to be just for fun). Can't believe NG accepts to publish these while promoting education. Understand it's a marketing decision, but there must be away to find better ads.
Thanks! You do an amazing job.
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
I know you probably hear this all the time, but my life long dream is to study animals and the environment, and to write about my findings for National Geographic. If you could help me in any way in getting started in pretty much any way affiliated with National Geographic, I would be eternally grateful.
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
We appreciate all of your comments. Please be assured that they are circulated among the appropriate staff members at the Society. Many of the answers to your questions about careers, article suggestions and photography can be found on our website at:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/faq
The FAQ page also provides information on many other topics.
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
Just wanted to introduce this site to NG about Iran.
http://www.bmspages.com
You can find a lot of updated information in this website.
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
I applaud National Geographic for supporting RAVE assignments to Bioko and helping to provide education on serious topics. I hope you will also do continuing in depth coverage of the palm oil situation since it appears that the plantations in Southeast Asia are absolutely not sustainable. So while some people may think, "Who are we to judge since this is an opportunity for some native people of developing countries to raise their standard of living," it is a losing proposition all around: rain forest gone, top soil quickly eroded leaving acres of barren sand, endangered species slaughtered, and native people sold a false bill of goods.
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
Hello Christ
Amazing photo..look nature! I am an amateur photographer. I really like take picture. I am from rural area in Malaysia. Please visit my website and see a few photo around my village. I believe I can expose those photos to the global views.My blog http://toksangkuthomestay.blogspot.com/ Thanks!
Jul 15, 2008 12PM #
I am a 74 yr. old reitred teacher
who taught school in 1959-60, in
Germany. I kept a diary during that time describing conditions.
lifestyles and the countries I visited.
Married in 1960, my husband and I
immigrated to Australia during l960-61. I taught school; my husband
sold life insurance. We lived in
suburbs of Sydney. I kept a diary
of teaching experiences, apartment
liviing and our travels. Even the
Dec. Davis Cup tennis with Rod Laver.
We had little money, and a great
lust for learning about the world
beyond our small northern Ca. town.
I don't want to lose these documented experiences. Are you
interested. I have "slides" also.
Thank you; Harriet Goble.
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