Kerala Plans Sterilisation of Bonnet Macaques

Kerala to Seek Sterilisation of Bonnet Macaques Near Forests

Why in the News?

• Population control: Kerala Forest Department plans to undertake mass sterilisation of bonnet macaques to manage their growing population and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.
• Crop damage issue: Farmers near forest fringes report significant crop loss caused by monkey troops, highlighting the need for intervention.
• Official move: State to seek central approval under Wildlife Protection Act for sterilisation of this Schedule I species.

Key Features of the Proposal

• Mission launched: ‘Mission Bonnet Macaque‘ is part of Kerala’s 10-point plan to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the state.
• Sterilise and release: Monkeys will be sterilised, monitored for health, and released back into native habitats to maintain ecological balance.
• No culling plan: Unlike wild pigs, macaques will not be culled due to their ecological significance and protected status.

Broader Conservation and Community Focus

• Waste control: Focus on waste management in eco-tourism areas to reduce macaque food dependency and minimize human-wildlife interactions.
• Wildlife conflict: Seeks to balance community needs and wildlife protection in areas where human settlements meet forest boundaries.
• Public complaints: Frequent monkey-related complaints drive urgency for non-lethal interventions to address the issue.

Bonnet Macaque and Wildlife Laws

This comprehensive approach by the Kerala Forest Department aims to address the growing human-wildlife conflict while respecting conservation laws and ethical considerations. The sterilisation program, if approved, could serve as a model for managing similar conflicts in other regions of India.