Nepal Extends 'Agricultural Pest' Status for Rhesus Macaques Causing Crop Damage

Kathmandu. The Ministry of Forest and Environment has declared the wild rhesus macaque, which causes damage to farmers' crops, as an 'agricultural harmful wildlife' for another year. Previously, the government first declared the wild rhesus macaque an agricultural harmful wildlife on Magh 10, 2081 BS.

Exercising the authority granted by Rule 36 of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Rules, 2030, the Ministry has implemented this provision for the second time by publishing a notice in the Nepal Gazette on Magh 29, 2082 BS.

What is permitted to drive away monkeys?

Now, farmers will be permitted to drive away, chase, or capture rhesus macaques without a permit if they enter their private fields, threshing floors, or gardens causing damage to crops or property. This decision is expected to bring significant relief to farmers who have long suffered from the menace of monkeys.

The Ministry has also made it mandatory for farmers to adhere to certain conditions when using this facility. Although farmers can control the monkeys individually or collectively, the captured monkeys must be immediately handed over to the nearest National Park, Wildlife Reserve, Division Forest Office, or its subordinate offices. Furthermore, the local ward office must also be informed about the capture of the monkeys. However, this provision will not apply within National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Hunting Reserves, Conservation Areas, or National Forest areas. Driving away or capturing monkeys is still prohibited in those areas.

Procedure if Death Occurs

The procedure has been made stricter if a monkey dies during the process of driving away, chasing, or capturing it. In such a situation, the dead monkey must be buried only after preparing a record (panchnama) in the presence of a representative from the concerned ward and at least five local individuals.

Information regarding the death of the monkey and the record must be submitted to the concerned Forest Office and Ward Office. The government has stipulated that this entire process will be regularly monitored, and concerned bodies must submit details to the Ministry and the Department every two months.