Farmers allowed to act against monkeys, says environmentalist

-Toque monkey not protected under law

While pointing out that the toque monkey is one of five mammals in Sri Lanka not protected under the law, veteran environmentalist Dr. Jagath Gunawardane said farmers are allowed to take action against non-protected animals that trespass on their lands.

The controversy stems from accusations that environmentalists are hindering farmers from managing the monkey population. Dr. Gunawardane dismissed these claims, pointing out that the real issue lies with illegal killings of protected species, including elephants.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, veteran environmentalist Dr. Jagath Gunawardane expressed concern over what he describes as a “straw man fallacy,” a tactic used to shift focus from the real problem.

“This is a classic example of misdirection. While the killing of elephants and tuskers is a pressing issue, attention is being diverted to monkeys, a topic no one had previously raised.”

Dr. Gunawardane said the toque monkey is one of five mammals in Sri Lanka not protected under Section 30 of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. The other non-protected mammals include the gray langur, wild boar, black-naped hare, and porcupine.

“Farmers are within their rights to take action against non-protected animals that trespass on their lands,” Dr. Gunawardane clarified, adding that this is a well-known legal fact. However, he warned against misrepresenting the stance of environmentalists, who have never opposed farmers protecting their crops from unprotected species.

The toque monkey (Macaca sinica), though listed on the IUCN Red List and protected internationally under CITES Appendix II, lacks protection under Sri Lankan law. It is considered a pest due to its impact on crops such as coconut.