Rhesus Macaque Protection Restored Under Wildlife Act

The National Board for Wildlife’s standing committee recently recommended reinstating the Rhesus Macaque under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This move restores legal protection against illegal capture and cruelty. The species had been removed from the Schedule in 2022, leading to challenges in scientific management and increased human-monkey conflict. Experts, led by primatologist Mewa Singh, campaigned for the restoration citing conservation and conflict management concerns.

Background and

The Rhesus Macaque is a non-human primate commonly found across northern India. Its removal from Schedule II in 2022 meant it lost statutory protections. This affected forest departments’ ability to intervene in conflicts and manage populations scientifically. The species became vulnerable to trafficking and cruelty without legal safeguards. The reinstatement aims to regulate management and reduce misuse of the species.

Importance of Legal Protection

Legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act empowers forest authorities to address conflicts and enforce conservation measures. Without it, municipal bodies lacked expertise and authority to manage the species effectively. Protection also helps prevent illegal capture and cruelty, which increased after the delisting. It ensures scientific management involving wildlife and veterinary experts.

Population and Conservation Status

Though Rhesus Macaques appear abundant, visibility near human settlements creates a perception of overpopulation. Similar to the Bonnet Macaque in southern India, large numbers do not always indicate healthy populations. The Bonnet Macaque population declined by 82% over decades due to habitat loss despite being commonly seen. This marks the need for scientific monitoring of Rhesus Macaque populations to avoid unnoticed declines.

Managing Human-Monkey Conflict

Conflict arises mainly where monkeys live close to humans. States like Himachal Pradesh have adopted sterilisation programmes to control populations humanely. Effective management requires baseline data on population size, conflict frequency, and zones of interaction. Public sensitisation to avoid feeding monkeys is crucial as feeding encourages them to stay in urban areas and increases conflict. Crop raiding and property damage must also be addressed sympathetically.

Ecological Role of Rhesus Macaques

Rhesus Macaques are important seed dispersers in their ecosystems. Their foraging activities aid natural regeneration of many tree species. Studies show areas inhabited by these monkeys have higher seed dispersal and forest regeneration rates. This ecological role is often overlooked by the public but is vital for biodiversity and forest health.

Scientific Management Framework

Management of Rhesus Macaques can be divided into three zones – conservation zones in forests, coexistence zones in rural areas, and management zones in urban or conflict-prone areas. The reinstatement of legal protection allows forest officers to lead local committees with primate and veterinary experts to implement scientific interventions tailored to each zone.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Point out the significance of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in conserving species with reference to Rhesus Macaque protection.
2. Critically analyse the challenges of human-wildlife conflict management in urbanising India with suitable examples including Rhesus Macaque cases.
3. Estimate the role of non-human primates in forest ecology and seed dispersal and underline their importance for biodiversity conservation.
4. What is the impact of habitat loss on wildlife populations? How does scientific monitoring help in managing species like the Bonnet Macaque and Rhesus Macaque?

Answer Hints:

1. Point out the significance of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in conserving species with reference to Rhesus Macaque protection.

1. The Act provides statutory legal protection to wildlife species, preventing illegal capture and cruelty.
2. Reinstating Rhesus Macaque under Schedule II empowers forest departments to intervene in conflict and manage populations scientifically.
3. Legal protection enables regulation of scientific management and prevents exploitation and trafficking.
4. Without the Act’s protection, municipal bodies lack authority and expertise to manage wildlife effectively.
5. The Act facilitates involvement of wildlife and veterinary experts in managing species for conservation and conflict mitigation.
6. Protection under the Act helps maintain ecological balance by conserving important species like Rhesus Macaque.

2. Critically analyse the challenges of human-wildlife conflict management in urbanising India with suitable examples including Rhesus Macaque cases.

1. Urbanisation leads to habitat loss and forces wildlife like Rhesus Macaques into human settlements, increasing conflict.
2. Feeding by humans in urban areas attracts monkeys, escalating aggressive encounters and dependency on human food.
3. Lack of baseline data on population and conflict zones hampers effective management strategies.
4. Forest departments often have limited jurisdiction in urban areas; municipal bodies lack expertise to manage wildlife conflicts.
5. Sterilisation programmes (e.g., Himachal Pradesh) show humane population control methods but require resources and monitoring.
6. Crop raiding and property damage cause economic loss and resentment, complicating coexistence efforts.

3. Estimate the role of non-human primates in forest ecology and seed dispersal and underline their importance for biodiversity conservation.

1. Rhesus Macaques act as key seed dispersers, aiding natural regeneration of many tree species.
2. Seed dispersal by primates increases forest diversity and helps maintain healthy ecosystems.
3. Areas with active primate populations show higher rates of natural forest regeneration compared to those without.
4. Non-human primates contribute to ecological balance by facilitating nutrient cycling and plant propagation.
5. Loss of primates can disrupt forest dynamics and reduce biodiversity over time.
6. Scientific research marks their ecological roles, which are often overlooked by the public and policymakers.

4. What is the impact of habitat loss on wildlife populations? How does scientific monitoring help in managing species like the Bonnet Macaque and Rhesus Macaque?

1. Habitat loss leads to population decline, fragmentation, and increased human-wildlife conflict.
2. Bonnet Macaque population declined 82% over decades due to deforestation and habitat degradation despite high visibility.
3. Scientific monitoring provides baseline data on population trends, distribution, and conflict frequency.
4. Monitoring enables early detection of declines and informs timely conservation interventions.
5. Data-driven management allows targeted actions like sterilisation, habitat restoration, and conflict mitigation.
6. Long-term records by researchers help reclassify conservation status and prioritize species protection.