Sikkim Government adopts unique ‘Monkey Management’ program
First Published: 31st August, 2023 8:33 IST
The monkeys are caught using the drop-door-cage method, transported to the zoo, sterilized and then released.
The Sikkim Government has adopted a first of its kind way to tackle with the menace of monkeys in Gangtok.
To provide immediate relief, a capture-sterilization-release initiative has also been started. The monkeys are caught using the drop-door-cage method, transported to the zoo, sterilized and then released. A total of 22 monkeys have already been caught from Namnang and Deorali localities.
This has been informed by the Forest and Environment Department of the state government in a press statement.
The Himalayan Zoological Park (HZP) in partnership with veterinary experts from Himachal Pradesh is likely to organize a 3-week training for local vets on monkey sterilization in September.
However, the date is yet to be fixed (as per inputs).
Besides, a scientific study of monkey population in Gangtok town is also underway to better assess their population, distribution, habitat preference and seasonality.
The Forest and Environment department further stated, “Community engagement is paramount to the success of this initiative. We hope that by working together with the citizen groups and leveraging scientific research, we can find lasting solutions that work for humans and monkeys both.”
On August 24, the Sikkim Forest and Environment Department had issued a notification stating that people feeding monkeys would be penalized with Rs 5000. The department mentioned that feeding of monkeys (Macaque species) and improper management of food waste has resulted in unnatural growth in their population.
The government expressed serious concern over the transmission of zoonotic diseases from primates to humans and vice versa.
As per the notification issued by Chief Wildlife Warden Sandeep Tambe, feeding the monkeys and improper disposal of food has led to increased cases of conflict between monkeys and humans in both urban and rural areas.
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