Madurai Forest Department Intensifies Efforts to Curb Human-Monkey Conflict
The Forest Department in Madurai division has significantly escalated its initiatives to address the escalating human-monkey conflict, driven by a surge in incidents causing damage to public life and property. In response to growing disturbances, officials have implemented a multi-faceted strategy combining capture, relocation, and preventive measures.
Capture and Relocation Operations
Over the past year, the department has installed 110 cages across various locations in Madurai district to safely capture monkeys that pose threats to people and property. This effort resulted in the capture and relocation of 240 monkeys to their natural forest habitats. Officials emphasized that whenever monkeys create disturbances, cages are deployed to ensure safe capture, followed by relocation to forest areas to mitigate risks.
Public Awareness and Preventive Actions
As part of preventive measures, the department has launched extensive public awareness campaigns urging residents not to feed monkeys. Officials warn that feeding attracts more monkeys into human habitations and alters their natural feeding patterns, thereby increasing the likelihood of conflict. This initiative aims to reduce human-induced factors that exacerbate the issue.
Habitat Enrichment and Monitoring
To ensure relocated monkeys remain within forest boundaries, the department has undertaken buffer zone enrichment projects. This involves planting fruit-bearing indigenous trees, such as tamarind, jamun, and banyan, deep inside reserve forest areas. These efforts encourage monkeys to stay within their natural habitat instead of returning to fringe villages and towns.
Additionally, the department conducts frequent joint patrolling in sensitive and conflict-prone areas by field staff. An official stated, "The department also equipped its teams with modern wildlife rescue equipment to handle human-animal conflict situations more effectively and safely." The overarching goal is to reduce negative interactions between humans and animals, ensuring the safety of both parties through proactive and sustainable measures.
