Kathmandu – June 30, 2010 – The random release of over 200 captive monkeys in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park has not only led to the death of at least 40 monkeys but has also greatly increased human-monkey conflict. That is the conclusion of a survey carried out by the Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN). The network in a report called ‘Death in the Forest’ urges the government to take immediate action.
AWNN in a recent survey has found that the random release of at least 210 captive rhesus
monkeys at Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park has led to great problems for both humans and monkeys.
People living in and around the park are deeply dissatisfied with the releases and claim that hardly any monitoring is taking place. According to reports the numbers of monkeys inside the park has increased with at least 300 percent. People face a high increase in crop raiding and aggression from monkeys. In some VDCs people are forced to guard their crops day and night.
The monkeys have little fear of humans and seem to suffer from hunger, thirst and distress. Some have unnatural food collection habits and do not have basic survival skills.
“The authorities are entirely to blame for the situation and the fate of the surviving lies in the hands of the Minister,” says Mahesh Sharma, campaign coordinator at AWNN.
The government opted against scientific release despite countless warnings from animal experts. Local communities were not informed or consulted. At least two monkeys have already been killed by angry people. Complaints and requests for compensation of the local communities are not taken serious. AWNN expects that more monkeys will be killed by humans if the government does not act.
AWNN urges the government to take immediate action to prevent more monkey deaths and increased human-monkey conflict. “These monkeys have suffered enough when they were in captivity. They need to be taught survival skills and generally prepared for a life in the wild.” says Sharma.
AWNN also urges the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SFBR) in Texas, USA (the original destination of the monkeys) to take up its responsibility. Sharma: “Until now SFBR has shown a total disregard for the lives of Nepalese primates. SFBR must offer help to ensure that the monkeys once destined for biomedical research are treated humanely and are rehabilitation according to international guidelines.”
The network urges government to publicise the cause of the monkey deaths, to recapture the surviving monkeys and provide treatment to sick individuals. AWNN also urges the government to implement a scientific rehabilitation programme in cooperation with animal welfare organisations and other stakeholders. The campaigners support claims for compensation made by local communities inside the park.