Restoration of Rhesus Macaque Protection
The National Board for Wildlife’s standing committee has recommended reinstating the Rhesus Macaque species under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This move aims to restore statutory protection and enhance enforcement against illegal capture and cruelty, while also regulating scientific management.
Significance of Restoring Legal Protection
- Veteran primatologist Mewa Singh advocated for this change, highlighting the misuse and trafficking threats without legal protection.
- Restoration enables forest departments to manage conflicts effectively, which was previously hampered due to lack of protection.
- Without protection, there was a risk of monkeys spreading diseases if relocated from urban areas to forests.
Management Strategies for Rhesus Macaques
- Management is divided into three zones:
- Conservation Zone: In forest areas.
- Co-existence Zone: Rural areas with low to moderate conflict.
- Management Zone: Areas needing more intervention.
- Local committees, headed by divisional forest officers, will include primate and veterinary experts for management.
Importance of Protection Despite Large Numbers
- Drawing parallels with the Bonnet Macaque, whose population declined by 82% despite being visible in large numbers.
- Highlights the potential for habitat loss and the need for scientific population management.
Conflict Management
- Adoption of sterilization in states like Himachal Pradesh to manage populations humanely.
- Importance of creating data baselines on monkey populations and conflict zones for effective management.
- Public sensitization against feeding monkeys to reduce urban conflicts.
Ecological Significance of Rhesus Macaques
- They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, enhancing natural regeneration.
- Scientific research has shown higher natural regeneration in areas with monkey presence.
- Public awareness is necessary to understand their ecological role and reduce conflicts.