When the local meets the global: models and challenges of primate conservation in the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, Togo

. Analysis of human-primate relationships revealed that local communities utilize primates primarily as a food source (45.45% of respondents), for cultural representations (31.82%), and for religious purposes (18.18%) (percentages calculated from multiple-response questionnaires). The study also found three endogenous primate conservation and management principles that focus on the control of crop destruction and adherence to local cultural and religious norms. Due to this complex relationship between local populations and primates, it is necessary to adapt integrated approaches that combine monitoring efforts, awareness campaigns, law enforcement, and ecotourism development while prioritizing primate conservation and ecosystem functions.