Sri Lanka Launches Unique Census to Track Monkeys, Peacocks and Squirrels Amid Agricultural Damage
Sri Lanka launched a unique wildlife census to calculate monkeys, peacocks and giant squirrels in an effort to regulate their populations, which have been responsible for widespread agricultural destruction. The census, which was launched on Saturday, seeks to gauge the population density of these animals in agricultural regions, as farmers claim major crop loss.
Agriculture is important to the economy of Sri Lanka, contributing to 8% of the GDP and with a workforce of over 8 million people. At the same time, It is the 4th largest exporter of coconut products in the world. However, due to the crop destruction caused by monkeys, peacocks and squirrels, coconut production was reduced by a lot and about 90 million coconuts are lost annually. These damages have reduced agricultural output by 20%, which is a huge problem for the farmers.
Namal Karunaratne, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, said that the census is the initial step towards controlling wildlife populations. Farmers such as Edirisinghe Arachchilage Gnanasena in Dambulla have complained of monkey raids stealing coconuts, mangoes and other products despite measures such as air guns and firecrackers taken to drive them away.
The government is optimistic that this census will assist in the formulation of efficient policies to regulate the wildlife population and safeguard agriculture. Farmers also attribute habitat loss as a key factor in the increase in wild animals in agricultural lands.
