Prototype enclosure tames unruly macaques

Parks authorities and a foundation work together to develop the Phetchaburi-based project.

Prototype enclosure tames unruly macaques
Macaques at Khao Wang, a well-known Phetchaburi state rock. Wichan Charoenkiatpakul( picture )

PHETCHABURI: A prototype method for managing macaques across the country was recently observed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation( DNP ).

Recently, department officials, including director-general Atthaphon Charoenchansa, traveled to Khao Wang, a well-known mountain in Phetchaburi, to see the prototype enclosure at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand( WFFT ) in the province’s Tha Yang district.

Low-voltage wires and 1.5-meter-wide aluminum panels have been installed along the tops of the enclosure’s 200 square meter windows to keep the primates from escaping.

According to Yuthapol Angkinan, a ministry advisor, this approach had been employed to control monkey populations for at least ten years and was applied to the prototype.

He claimed that the wall was constructed to house native macaques on the hill, where they are notorious for bothering locals and visitors.

The system was created in response to Nattachai Nampoonsuksan, the government of Phetchaburi, urging the removal of Kao Wang macaques from the list of protected animals due to their disorderly behavior as well as for their own safety as their population grew outside of their normal range.

According to Mr. Yuthapol, a new system will be installed at the 300-rai Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Station in the Cha-am city of Phetchaburi after the design wall is more developed.

For the job, the DNP had thought about using a location on Koh Leum in Prachuap Khiri Khan. The island’s owner, the Royal Thai Army, declined the demand because it is only used for surveillance operations.

At first, at least 300 monkeys are anticipated to reside in the box at the rearing station, according to Mr. Yuthapol. To build the wall, state agencies did sign a memorandum of understanding with WFFT chair Edwin Wiek. The design should address the issue of the nation’s rapidly expanding marsupial population.

With funding from provincial authorities, Mr. Yuthapol stated that the office may also operate on a second monkey management project in Phetchaburi.