Now, unique IDs to tackle monkey population in city

Project to avoid overlapping of sterilisation process

Monkeys will be tagged with a troop code.

In the first-ever monkey sterilisation and vaccination project to tackle the exploding population of rhesus macaques in the Capital, the Delhi High Court is collaborating with Wildlife SOS to ensure that the monkeys get unique permanent IDs to avoid overlapping of sterilisation process.

The HC has directed authorities to prepare an action plan in support of this project and has scheduled the next hearing on this matter for November 7.

Scientific solution

Wildlife conservation organisation Wildlife SOS proposed a scientific and humane solution to the Delhi High Court to tackle the growing monkey population in the Capital. Representatives of the NGO suggested sterilisation and vaccination procedures followed by tagging of monkeys with a unique permanent ID.

“The project aims at tackling conflict between humans and rhesus macaques in a scientific and humane way through vaccinations and laparoscopic surgical intervention. Relocating the monkeys is not a solution. Monkeys have homing instincts and will return to public areas looking for food,” noted a release issued by Wildlife SOS.

Wildlife SOS co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan said, “Human provisioning and feeding of rhesus macaques by people for religious sentiments have habituated these animals and hence, it is the need of the hour to sterilise the monkeys for long-term control of their population”. The monkeys will be tagged using safe tattoos with a troop code and individual code.