Overwhelmed by a burgeoning wild monkey population, Lopburi, a town in central Thailand, has launched a campaign to trap and relocate the mischievous primates. The monkeys, an erstwhile tourist attraction, have become increasingly aggressive, causing injuries and economic losses. Authorities are resorting to baited cages and a plan to neuter and tattoo them for identification.
Lopburi, a town in central Thailand, is locked in a battle with an ever-growing population of wild monkeys. Once a beloved tourist draw, the primates have become increasingly aggressive, leading to concerns over public safety and economic losses.
In response to the escalating conflict, local authorities have launched an offensive against the simian raiders, employing a combination of trickery and ripe tropical fruit. The plan aims to reduce the monkey population by baiting cages with the animals' favorite food, hoping to capture and relocate them.
On Friday, authorities initiated the first phase of the operation, strategically placing cages on a street frequented by the monkeys. Within hours, three unsuspecting macaques fell for the ruse, lured by the irresistible aroma of rambutan fruit. The cages had been introduced earlier in the week, allowing the monkeys to familiarize themselves and mitigate their fear.
The capture of the trio, along with approximately 30 others apprehended in other parts of town, marked a modest reduction in the monkey population estimated at around 2,500. The operation will continue for the next five days this month and is likely to be repeated in the future. A select number of monkeys will remain free, preserving Lopburi's identity as Thailand's monkey town.
Despite the initial success, officials acknowledge the challenges ahead. "With the monkey's intelligence," explained Patarapol Maneeorn from Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, "if some of them go into the cage and are caught, the others outside won't enter the cage to get the food because they've already learned what's happened to their friends."
While the monkeys have long been a symbol of Lopburi, 140 kilometers (90 miles) north of Bangkok, their increasing aggression has eroded their popularity. Numerous videos have surfaced online, depicting monkeys snatching food from residents and causing injuries.
Auto parts shops are among the businesses that have taken precautions against the monkeys' thievery. One such shop has erected wire fencing to protect its goods, both from the ravages of the pandemic and the light-fingered primates.
"When there are a lot of monkeys around, customers are afraid of buying the goods at the shop," said Supaporn Tantiwong, co-owner of the auto parts store. "Only our regulars aren't frightened."
Lopburi's mayor, Chamroen Salacheep, echoes the concerns of local businesses. While acknowledging the monkeys' tourist appeal, he highlights their detrimental impact on trade, citing a decline in income for shops and malls and even damage to homes. "Lopburi," he lamented, "is almost an abandoned town."
Once the operation is complete, Chamroen plans to implement a comprehensive cleaning and restoration campaign to revitalize the town and restore public confidence.
However, the monkeys' fate is not entirely grim. Alongside the capture and relocation efforts, authorities are undertaking a comprehensive health screening and sterilization program. The monkeys will receive tattoos for identification purposes, enabling officials to maintain accurate population records.
Ultimately, the plan is to transfer the monkeys to a series of large holding pens just outside the town center, where they will receive temporary shelter until a permanent home can be found.
