The Monkey Population Crisis in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka faces a significant challenge with its macaque monkey population, which has been exacerbated by historical events such as a prolonged ethnic war that led to deforestation. This environmental disruption pushed monkeys into human settlements, resulting in increased conflicts as they search for food. The damage done by these monkeys includes destruction of crops and property, with an estimated loss of $19.3 million annually to the coconut industry, which is integral to the nation's agricultural output. Efforts to manage the situation have included relocation strategies and community awareness programs, yet the problems persist and have prompted the exploration of unconventional measures.