Mumbai: Monkey attacks spark forest operation in Bhandup, three macaques captured

The Thane Forest Department and Wildlife Welfare Association team with one of the captured macaques. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Three adult male rhesus macaques accused of repeatedly attacking residents and spreading fear in Bhandup's Khindipada area have been captured by the Thane Forest Department with assistance from Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) and researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society-India (WCS-India).

[popcorn number="Five" desc="No of Macaques released after being found uninvolved in attacks" class="Default"]

Utter menace

At least 25 to 30 people, including children, were attacked over the past two months on roads near Khindipada, adjacent to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park boundary. Range Forest Officer Santosh Dagale confirmed receiving multiple complaints regarding macaque attacks on young children and passersby. Residents had previously submitted a formal letter to the forest department highlighting the serious threat to residents.

Injury sustained by a resident in a monkey attack in Bhandup's Khindipada area. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Official Speak

Rohit Mohite, Wildlife Welfare Association
‘Trapping the specific monkeys responsible for the attacks proved challenging. A manual trap cage was deployed, but there was a risk of other monkeys from the troop entering the cage. Our team monitored the trap, and a total of eight monkeys were caught. Of these, five, which were not responsible for the attacks, were released back. The three adult males identified as the monkeys allegedly involved in the attacks were subsequently captured.'

Targeted operation

Following repeated incidents, the Thane Territorial Forest Department prepared an operation to capture the monkeys allegedly responsible for the attacks. Thane-based NGO WWA assisted with the trapping operation, while WCS-India researchers helped identify the individual macaques reportedly involved in the conflict.

Feeding habit

Nikit Surve, wildlife biologist, WCS-India
‘The WCS-India team and forest department first conducted an awareness session with society members, followed by field observations over several days. We found that the macaques had become habituated to regular feeding, with bananas, chana, and pav being offered daily. Such food is not part of their natural diet and can contribute to health problems. The macaques also began associating people, particularly those carrying bags, with food and would approach them readily. Such interactions can turn aggressive. Discouraging feeding is therefore important to reduce conflict and promote safer coexistence.'

Child attacks

Residents reported that monkeys bit children playing or walking to school, causing injuries and bleeding. Parents felt unsafe letting children outside as monkeys were seen charging at people carrying bags, fruits or vegetables.

Letter says

"Over the past few months, the presence of monkeys in our area has increased significantly. In particular, one monkey has been repeatedly attacking young children. The situation has now become so serious that parents feel it is dangerous to allow their children to step outside their homes."