Urban Wildlife Challenge: Rhesus Macaques Delisted and the Path to Coexistence in Delhi.


30 September 2024 Wild Life Protection >> Environmental Law  

In a significant move, the Rhesus macaque, a monkey species prevalent in Delhi, has been delisted from Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This amendment strips the species of its protected status, placing it on par with stray animals like cats and dogs, raising concerns about wildlife management and urban coexistence.
The shift in status prompts a critical question: what has led these monkeys to abandon their natural habitats in forests for the busy streets and pavements of the capital? The answer lies in human behavior. By feeding these monkeys—often with bread, chapatis, and bananas—humans inadvertently disrupt their natural foraging habits, leading to increased dependence on human food sources and fostering conflict between wildlife and people.

To address this pressing issue, civic authorities must initiate a year-long public awareness campaign. This campaign should aim to educate the residents of Delhi on the detrimental effects of feeding wild animals. By understanding that such actions harm the monkeys and contribute to their urban encroachment, the community can take meaningful steps toward coexistence.

 
 

Another significant contributor to the monkey-human conflict is inadequate waste management. Open garbage in public spaces, including parks, food hubs, and roadside eateries, attracts monkey populations, exacerbating the problem. To create a safer urban environment, residents must be encouraged to maintain cleanliness and avoid littering food scraps. This crucial aspect should also be emphasized in the proposed awareness campaign.


In response to the increasing monkey menace, the municipal authorities—namely the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)—have been directed to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy. This plan should focus on relocating monkeys from public parks, hospitals, government offices, and residential areas to the Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in New Delhi, ensuring the animals are rehabilitated in a more suitable environment.

The MCD, NDMC, and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital have been tasked with submitting an updated status report within three weeks, reflecting their progress on these initiatives.
As Delhi grapples with this new reality, it is clear that the path to a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife requires both awareness and action. By fostering a sense of responsibility among residents and addressing the root causes of human-animal conflict, the city can pave the way for a more sustainable urban ecosystem.