The Center for Environment and Nature Studies (CENS) announced that it will submit a report today (09) to the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, proposing measures to tackle wildlife populations that harm crops in Sri Lanka.
National Coordinator of CENS, Environmentalist Dr. Ravindra Kariyawasam, highlighted the importance of this issue and detailed the report’s recommendations.
“The population of toque macaque has increased in Sri Lanka. This is due to the decline of natural predators and reduced food availability in forests, which has driven these animals to seek food in agricultural areas. We propose establishing a unified mechanism by merging 15 institutions to manage toque macaque populations effectively. Today, we are presenting these proposals to the Minister of Environment,” said Dr. Kariyawasam.
He also emphasized the necessity for innovative and research-based solutions, referencing India’s strategies for managing monkey populations in Jammu and Kashmir.
“In India, sterilization efforts go beyond surgeries. Techniques include mixing sterilization drugs with food or using hormones. Some countries have even explored using viruses. In Sri Lanka, we need to introduce hormones through food in controlled quantities. However, this requires careful research to avoid risks, particularly to endemic species like the ‘Macaca sinica’ monkeys,” he explained.
The report encompasses both short-term and long-term strategies aimed at sustainably addressing the escalating wildlife challenge while minimizing potential ecological risks, according to Dr. Kariyawasam.
