Major UK scientific breakthrough could just save an entire species of animal

A world-first scientific breakthrough could transform the fight to save one of the world’s most endangered primates – and even help reunite stolen monkeys with their families in the wild. Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University, the Institute Scientifique de Rabat and the Atlas Golden Wolf Project have successfully sequenced the full genome of a Barbary macaque for the first time, using DNA from a monkey living in the UK.

The historic achievement centres on “Crinkle”, a Barbary macaque at Trentham Monkey Forest in Staffordshire, where 140 monkeys roam freely across 60 acres of woodland. Scientists have saqid the breakthrough could become a “gamechanger” for conservation efforts, particularly in tackling the illegal wildlife trade and declining wild populations. Fewer than 8,000 Barbary macaques are believed to remain in the wild, with numbers continuing to fall due to habitat loss, poaching and trafficking. Until now, conservationists have faced a major obstacle – there was no comprehensive genetic reference for the species.

This made it extremely difficult to track populations, assess genetic health, or determine the origin of trafficked animals. With Crinkle’s genetic code now completely decoded, researchers effectively have a genetic “master key”.

Using this data, scientists have already traced Crinkle’s ancestry to wild populations in Morocco, near Ifrane National Park and Khenifra National Park – two vital strongholds for the species. Experts have said this opens the door to identifying where illegally captured monkeys originate from and potentially returning them to their natural habitats.

In 2024, a nationwide project across Morocco collected non-invasive DNA samples from Barbary macaques, from the Rif Mountains in the north to the High Atlas Mountains in the south, according to Dr Patrick Tkaczynski from Liverpool John Moores University. The result is a detailed genetic database that works like a forensic tool for the species.

Now, when authorities intercept monkeys from the illegal pet trade, scientists can match their DNA to this database and pinpoint their place of origin.

This could dramatically improve the chances of reintroducing trafficked animals back into the wild – a major step forward in conservation.

Monkey Forest Park Director, Matt Lovatt, said: “We’re incredibly proud that a Barbary macaque from Trentham Monkey Forest is at the heart of such a groundbreaking scientific achievement.

"Crinkle represents not just our forest, but a species facing real threats in the wild, knowing that her DNA could help protect Barbary macaques from poaching and illegal trade is something truly special.

He added that the research highlights how closely conservation efforts in the UK are linked to wildlife protection in North Africa: "What happens in places like Ifrane National Park doesn’t stay there, it’s part of a much bigger global conservation story," he said.

Prof Sidi Imad Cherkaoui, from the Institute Scientifique de Rabat, said: “The Moroccan government has an Action Plan in place for the conservation of Barbary macaques, and the combination of Crinkle’s genome and our genetic map can dramatically improve our efforts to save this iconic species.”

“If this kind of science can help identify where trafficked animals have been taken from, it becomes a powerful tool in the fight against wildlife crime," Mr Lovatt added. "Ultimately, it gives us a better chance of protecting these incredible monkeys in the wild. With populations of Barbary macaques continuing to decline, this DNA breakthrough offers real hope, smarter conservation strategies, targeted protection, and a powerful new tool to fight wildlife crime.

"For a species on the brink, one monkey’s genome could make all the difference.”