NEW DELHI, May 21. /TASS/. A nationwide monkey census, Nepal’s first of its kind, is taking place in the South Asian country, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The purpose behind the initiative is to collect accurate data from areas densely populated with monkeys to assist in developing an effective conservation policy and also balance the needs of people and wildlife, the newspaper wrote. Experts say monkey-related issues, especially crop cultivation and human-wildlife conflicts, have turned into matters of national concern.
According to the newspaper, a follow-up census in five to six years could show if the numbers are rising and help authorities develop short-, medium-, and long-term strategies.
The census, being conducted by an 18-strong team of professors, wildlife researchers, and zoology students, is expected to finish by mid-June. They coordinate with ward chiefs and local residents to collect accurate data, the newspaper said.
Of some 300 monkey species globally, Nepal is home to four: the Rhesus macaque (red monkey), the Assamese macaque (pahare monkey), and Nepal and Tarai langurs. The Assamese macaque and the Tarai langur are at risk of extinction.
Monkeys often stray from forests into villages and farmland as they search for food, damaging crops. They sometimes attack people, when confronted, the newspaper wrote. In retaliation, angry farmers chase, injure and even kill the animals.