Maharashtra Forest Department has issued guidelines for capturing conflict-affected rhesus macaques and grey langurs. The GR outlines safe trapping, release, and honorarium details but lacks clarity on accountability, animal deaths, and strict penalties for human feeding, raising concerns among conservationists
With food scarcity, health issues, group conflict and human feeding worsening interactions, incidents of primates entering homes and damaging property have increased across the state. File pic
The state’s move to allow the capture of monkeys from human-dominated areas has triggered concern among wildlife conservationists, who say the new government resolution is well-intentioned but confusing and incomplete. While the GR outlines how macaques and langurs should be trapped and released, it fails to clarify what happens if an animal dies during capture, who is held accountable or what action the Forest Department will take in such cases.
On Tuesday, the Maharashtra Forest Department issued a GR and SOP detailing the protocol for rescuing conflict-affected Rhesus macaques and Grey langurs, along with instructions for safe capture and release into natural habitats. Both species hold deep cultural importance and often live around human settlements. With food scarcity, health issues, group conflict and human feeding worsening interactions, incidents of primates entering homes and damaging property have increased across the state.
The GR recommends using non-sedative cage traps and hiring trained individuals or organisations through an honorarium system. Local bodies must report incidents of conflict and submit property damage details to the Forest Department. The Range Forest Officer will verify the incident, document troop size and map the affected area before capture. According to the GR, captured monkeys must be released in a forest area at least 10 km from human habitation, and the release must be documented through photos and video.
Wildlife workers speak
Wildlife conservationist Kedar Gore of The Corbett Foundation said, “This is a necessary step by the Forest Department to reduce rising human-macaque and human-langur conflict, but the GR overlooks key issues. It does not specify accountability if an animal dies during capture. It ignores the root cause, which is people-feeding-primates out of faith, entertainment or compassion. This requires strong awareness campaigns and on-ground enforcement at tourist sites through dedicated staff. The GR has no strict penalties for feeding wildlife, and it proposes relocation without recognising that most forest areas are close to human settlements, which risks spreading conflict and disrupting resident troops. Release sites must be chosen carefully, and captured monkeys should be sterilised before release to help control population growth.”
Advocate Pawan Sharma, founder and president of RAWW, said, “Human primate conflict is a real issue that must be mitigated with informed, area-specific strategies. A thorough study of interactions across urban, semi-urban and rural landscapes is essential, as each faces different challenges that require tailored solutions. The conflict involves three species listed under different schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: bonnet macaque (Schedule I), Hanuman langur (Schedule II) and rhesus macaque (Schedule IV, CITES Appendix II). A dedicated policy for bonnet macaques is also needed, as they are often equally or more prone to conflict. Human behaviour, especially feeding wildlife, has significantly escalated conflict by disrupting natural instincts and drawing primates toward inappropriate food sources. People must stop feeding primates immediately, and such acts should be reported to the Forest Department. Effective edible waste management and species-specific rehabilitation, including lifetime captivity for certain individuals or groups when necessary, are equally important.”
Honorarium for capturing monkeys and langurs
>> For up to 10 animals: Rs 600 per animal
>> For more than 10 animals: Rs 300 per animal
>> Maximum payable: Rs 10,000
>> Travel allowance: Rs 1000 for up to five animals captured. No additional allowance for more than five.
Nature of recent attacks
Most incidents in the last two years involve food snatching or surprise encounters. Serious attacks are rare.
What happens after a trap
Trapped primates undergo medical and behavioural checks. Most incidents involve defensive reactions. Individuals showing abnormal behaviour may be sent to rescue centres for lifetime care. Others are rehabilitated.
Average rescues in MMR
Officials say around 100 to 150 monkeys are rescued each year from Mumbai and surrounding areas.
Managing monkey trouble
Preventing entry
Keep the premises clean, manage food waste and stop feeding primates. Remove bamboo scaffolding after work to prevent access, as monkeys often switch to gas pipes and drainpipes once habituated.
If a monkey enters your space
Stay calm, keep children and elders safe and allow the animal to leave on its own. Do not provoke, entertain or panic.
If bitten or scratched
Clean the wound, seek medical help and get TT and anti-rabies vaccination.
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