Study on Monkey-Human Conflict in Vijayapur Area, Dharan Eastern Nepal

Abstract

The study entitled as “Study on Monkey-Human Conflict in Vijayapur Area, Dharan, Eastern Nepal” was carried with the major objective of analyzing human- monkey conflict in Vijayapur Area. The study site covers the total area of ward no. 14 and some part of ward no. 13, 1, 2 and 15 of Vijayapur Area. Both primary and secondary data related to the study were used. Primary data was collected by using semi-structured household questionnaires. Monkey population and distribution was determined by direct counting of the individuals in each group Quadrat method was used to analyze vegetation pattern of natural forest of Panchkanya. Two types of monkey, Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), Hanuman Langur (Semnopithecus entellus) were found in study area. Four troops of rhesus monkey with total population of 203 and 1 troop of Hanuman Langur of multi female type with a population of 19 was found. Distribution of Rhesus monkey was clump type. Rhesus monkey (as reported by 92% respondents) was found as more damaging ones. Monkeys were found affecting human welfare by varying degrees. Crop damage (reported by 76% respondents, N = 100), grabbing/taking of food materials and clothes (reported by 54 % respondents), damaging electric cables moving over it (reported by 31 % respondents); biting/scratching (reported by 15% respondents) and others were the monkey related problems in the study area. Maize (as reported by 49% respondents) and fruits such as banana, mango, litchi, nuts, guava etc. (as reported by 23% respondents) were reported to be worst affected Catapult (reported by 76% respondents; N = 100); scolding and charging (reported by 55% respondents); screening opening of the house (reported by 30% respondents) etc. were the common deterrent methods against monkeys. Food scarcity (reported by 79% respondents; N = 100); increasing population of monkey (reported by 58% respondents); monkey habitat loss (reported by 55% respondents; Internal migration (reported by42% respondents); Artificial provisioning (reported by 30% respondents; Religious faith (reported by 43% respondents) were reported as the causes of increasing monkey problems.