Residents, businesses, and visitors at Phra Nakhon Khiri, also known as Khao Wang Park in Petchaburi province, are set to bid farewell to a significant number of macaques due to the troubles they have been causing. The primates have been roaming in search of food and disturbing the peace of the community.
According to Petchaburi Governor Natthachai Nampoonsuksan, there are currently around 3,000 macaques in the capital district alone and between 1,000 and 1,500 in each of the other districts, with the numbers continuing to rise. To deal with the issue, a plan is being developed to relocate the macaques to a more suitable location.
The Protected Area Regional Office 3 of the National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department had previously attempted to control the macaque population through sterilization, but the program has proven to be ineffective. As a result, the authorities have decided that relocation is the best solution.
Although the governor has not disclosed the specific relocation site, locals suggest an island in the Kaeng Krachan Dam as a potential new habitat. The macaques have been causing disturbances in the community, with residents and tourists reporting break-ins to homes and shops in search of food.
Additionally, the primates are known to carry diseases such as scabies that can cause respiratory problems. Business owners have also reported issues such as strong odors from monkey urine in public areas and accidents caused by macaques crossing roads.
Park officials have stated that relocating the macaques to a more suitable location will provide the animals with a better environment to thrive without posing a threat to humans. The authorities hope that this will address the issues caused by the primates and lead to a more harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
