As with elephants, leopards and others, the claims are made that
The Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on China’s trade in wild species for medical tests, for products destined for human use; particularly drugs and cosmetics. Macaques, with their human-like qualities have been particularly popular, especially with medical testing facilities in the USA and Europe. The potential income from such a trade would be far greater than that from the sale of this species to Zoos. Is this where these macaques are headed? To live out the rest of their lives in tiny, closed cages while various potentially harmful substances are either injected into, or smeared on them? Does this conform to the ethics of that precious, ancient philosophy that is still supposed to guide the peoples of this Nation? In 2022, the Minister of Agriculture boldly stated that despite the losses from the human-monkey conflict, that he would not authorize the killing of macaques. So are the authorities in Sri Lanka now intent on getting a third party, in this case China, to do this for them to not just have killed, but tortured as well? Will this leave the hands of those in authority free of the blood and guilt?
Rather than look to earn ‘blood money’, would it not be better to use the resources available to instigate a thorough study of the problem, by qualified researchers and scientists, to find solutions through the understanding of macaque behaviour and habitat? Sri Lanka has some of the finest in this field, such as Dr. Wolfgang Dittus, who has devoted much of his life to the study of these fascinating animals, and is renowned the world over for his expertise. The Agricultural extension units in our rural areas would be best suited for such studies. Financial resources are saved by the implementation of effective ways to safeguard crops. If immediate remedy is needed, and as referred to earlier, would it not be better to set up mechanisms for the payment of fair compensation for those who lose their crops to macaques? After all, resources are available to capture 100,000 of them!
Some of the largest populations of Toque Macaques, those who have learned to live off the supposed largesse of humans are close to religious sites; the Sacred Temple in Kandy, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura and elsewhere. Are these intelligent, human-like creatures to be hunted in their holy precincts too, for sale to China and, perhaps, then to medical laboratories?
Surely it is time to end knee-jerk reactions to problems for which solutions may be found through knowledge and understanding. If worthwhile political solutions are to be given on Nature, then they must be made on the basis of science and research, and not with potential elections in mind. For if the wrong decision is made, Sri Lanka will suffer for it, for generations to come, and the damage caused may be irretrievable. This is a time for Statesmen not for cheap politics!
Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS)
Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ)
Federation of Environmental Organizations (FEO)
RARE Sri Lanka
The Youth Wing of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS), in association with
USAID, opened the “Tales of Conservation” exhibit that uses art to inspire
They roam the jungles in search of food and water. They cross from one forest to another when food is scarce and few. Some return back to their habitat alive,
WNPS workshop by Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya and Kithsiri Gunawardena for any photographer wishing to gain a better understanding on how they can contribute towards the dawn of a new Yala.
