Second phase of macaque relocation kicks off at historic park
The second phase of relocating macaques from Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park to the Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Centre was initiated yesterday by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Phetchaburi.
The initiative, which involves the placement of cages at 12 locations within the park, commonly known as Khao Wang, aims to capture 205 macaques.
In the first phase of the project, carried out last December, 204 macaques were successfully captured and relocated. A source disclosed that the operation posed challenges due to the intelligence and aggression of the macaques, particularly the leaders of the herds. Nonetheless, all relocated animals are reportedly in good health at the Huai Sai Wildlife Breeding Centre in Cha-am district.
This relocation effort is the result of collaboration between the DNP and the local civil network in the province, with the aim of mitigating conflicts between the monkeys and the local population. It is seen as a potential model for other provinces facing similar challenges.
Among those present at the launch were Yuthapol Angkinan, adviser to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security; Atthapol Charoenchansa, DNP director-general; and Edwin Wiek, secretary-general of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand.
Official records indicate that the park was initially home to more than 1,000 macaques. Residents had voiced concerns about the animals’ aggressive behaviour towards people in Mueang district. The Thai authorities noted a rapid growth in the macaque population in the park, which surged from around 9,500 in April last year to 12,000 by June, reported Bangkok Post.
In related news, locals of Prang Khaek in the Mueng District of Lopburi held a press conference and installed protest signs regarding the lack of action from Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation in tackling the sizeable macaque problem in their area, which left locals vulnerable to attack.
