Stop Mass Cull of Himachal Monkeys

Stop Operation Monkey

Dear Sir/Madam,

I was horrified to learn about the plans instigated by Kheti Bachao Sangarsh Samiti, for farmers to cull monkeys and other animals between December 10-23 as a means of preventing further damage to crops.

The human-monkey conflict has been an issue for some time, however nothing justifies resorting to culling as a solution. The increased monkey population in urban regions is a direct result of human activities. Their habitat has diminished by receding forest coverage through intensive agriculture and horticulture, grazing, logging and timber extraction, construction of transportation routes and large dams, and other human disturbances. With their natural habitat disappearing due to this human activity, and with the isolation of the remaining forest areas, the animals are forced to acquire new habitats in urban areas. Although this situation has an impact on the livelihood of farmers, it is important to remember that the damage on crops is a result of scarcity of food. This problem is entirely man-made, and instead of punishing the victims, it is the responsibility of the government to handle this situation in an ethical manner. The rhesus monkeys, for example, are highly valued by both locals and pilgrims to the area, due to their sacred status. Such religious beliefs are important for the conservation of rhesus monkeys. I understand that the government has already undertaken a number of measures to limit the impact of the increased monkey population in urban regions, nevertheless more emphasis should be put on the humane and ethical management of the monkey population.

The immediate problem should be dealt with by focusing on sterilization schemes, as has been previously adopted, by maintaining a prohibition on the feeding of monkeys in public places and instead increasing food bases in forests, for example by encouraging villagers to plant wild fruit trees in nearby forests. More schemes of translocation could be introduced, by annually translocating the animals from the vicinity of villages and towns to forests similar to their natural habitat. For a long-term management, the government must focus on preserving environment and forests for wildlife by dealing with and preventing further forest destruction and creating sanctuaries and national parks/habitats. I strongly reject the proposal to sell the primates to research laboratories.

I respectfully ask that you intervene and stop the barbaric cull of these animals. The conservation of non-human primates and other wild animals requires an ethical approach of coexistence. The government must work on finding an optimal management strategy that does not include a wildlife cull.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your name]