Conservação vs. exploração: análise e quantificação de perfis com primatas no Instagram

Abstract

Primates as pets is a growing problem. Social networks, such as Instagram, contribute to this problem, showing an increase in the number of profiles with primates in the domestic environment, wearing clothes and with behaviors that differ from those in their natural habitat. The spread of these profiles can encourage the illegal trade in primate species. This work aims to analyze and quantify Instagram profiles in order to understand the level of engagement and highlight the potential of primate conservation profiles. A survey of both types of profiles on Instagram was carried out, quantifying 2 the number of profiles, followers and the level of engagement. 73 profiles were identified that display primates as pets, with more than 1 million followers, and a high level of engagement. And 28 profiles with primate conservation purposes, with 67 thousand followers, and a low level of engagement. It was concluded that in order to mitigate the negative effects of the representation of primates as pets on Instagram, it is necessary to sensitize users of the platform to the negative impacts of these profiles on primate species, since Instagram can reach a wide and diverse audience. Conservationists, activists, and environmental educators can develop content that promotes respect for wildlife and discourages the ownership of primates as pets.