Sterilising monkeys proposed as opposed to exporting

Several court cases have been filed by animal rights organisations and animal rights activists challenging the proposed capture and exportation of Toque Macaque monkeys

• Removing and killing animal species directly affects the balance of nature
• The programme aims to address the population growth of monkeys in urban areas
• The decision to export 100,000 Toque Macaque monkeys to China was stopped following an order from the Court of Appeal recently
• The highest intensity or severity of crop damage has been reported from Toque monkeys

The decision to export 100,000 Toque Macaque monkeys from Sri Lanka to China has been halted due to opposition from animal rights groups and individuals. Recognising the need for an alternative solution, the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population has proposed a pilot programme to conduct sterilisation surgeries on the Toque monkeys. 

By implementing sterility surgeries and raising public awareness about managing food waste, the programme aims to address the population growth of monkeys in urban areas. The initiative acknowledges the importance of maintaining the balance of nature and emphasises the need for ethical and well-researched approaches to population control.
The decision to export 100,000 Toque Macaque monkeys to China was stopped following an order from the Court of Appeal recently.
This follows the Government’s announcement and subsequent request made to a delegation of Chinese representatives earlier this year, to send 100,000 toque monkeys as part of the initial phase. 

However, the programme faced immediate opposition from numerous animal rights groups and individuals.
After discussions, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera initiated the formation of a Cabinet-approved committee to thoroughly examine the legal and ethical aspects concerning the export of Sri Lankan Toque monkeys to a foreign country.

A survey conducted by the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Training and Research Institute confirmed that the highest intensity or severity of crop damage has been reported from Toque monkeys. 
The survey was conducted in 250 agricultural development areas. 

Toque monkeys have caused damage in 110 areas, severe damage in 235 areas and partial damage in 155 areas, according to the report. Most of the damage caused by Toque monkeys is reported from the North-West Province.
Several court cases have been filed by animal rights organisations and animal rights activists challenging the proposed capture and exportation of 100,000 Toque Macaque monkeys to China.
It was in these circumstances that the Attorney General on June 26 informed the Court of Appeal that the decision to export monkeys to China would be stopped.

It has been planned to do the vasectomy (male sterilization) surgical procedure for male animals, and a hormone will be provided for the females. This programme would be a huge challenge,” - Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara Advisor Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population

Alternative 

In the meanwhile, the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population had come up with a solution to conduct sterility surgeries on Sri Lankan Toque monkeys without exporting or killing them.
The association used to conduct a 48-hour no-sleep animal clinic within the Anuradhapura Municipality as the first step of a pilot project to eradicate rabies from the country.
The association’s advisor Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara told the Daily Mirror that this sterility surgery could be applied to control the Toque Macaque monkey population. 
This will help reduce the population of monkeys over a period of  time.

They have decided to launch a pilot programme in this regard in the Anuradhapura Poojabhumi area for the first time.
He said that there are some issues with capturing the monkeys and several lengthy discussions had been held with the Wildlife Department to prepare a programme.
“It has been planned to do the vasectomy (male sterilization) surgical procedure for male animals, and a hormone will be provided for the females. This programme would be a huge challenge,” he said.

Meanwhile, a public awareness programme is to be launched to manage food waste, he said.
“Due to the haphazard disposal of waste food, there is a growth in the monkey population. The population of monkeys in jungles is curtailed due to their being prey to predators and not receiving nutrition, but the monkeys in town areas have no such threat. They grow freely with nutritious foods,” he said.
The survival rate of baby monkeys in town areas has increased to 35 per cent compared to the population in jungle areas, which do not have natural predators or natural control plans, he said.

“There are seven types of monkeys living in Sri Lanka and the population of monkeys hasn’t reached three million. This is completely false. There are only about 300,000 monkeys in the country. There are 250,000 monkeys in the jungle and only 50,000 monkeys in the urban areas. People are facing issues due to those 50,000 monkeys,” Dr Nanayakkara added.
He also warned of repercussions by removing and killing animal species directly because that affects the balance of nature.

“Removing or killing animals to control their population is not ethical, and it directly affects the balance of ecosystems,” a Veterinary Association official said.
“We should consider the balance of nature when controlling the animal population,” he said.
“If we try to control a certain animal population without planning and unintentionally, the result could be very dangerous. Taking or killing animals is applicable if there is a population that cannot be controlled, or else it is not practical.

“As an association, we oppose removing animals from the country as the first solution without doing proper research or analysis. The country never tried to obtain any analytical reports; instead, the animals were shot dead,” he said.
“As far as I know, solutions were presented by the Wild Life Department before sending monkeys to China,” he said.
However, the doctor advised the relevant officials not to use these animals’ lives to fulfil their political agendas.