Don’t feed monkeys: Forest dept launches ‘zero food waste’ drive in Courtallam

Tenkasi: In a bid to restore ecological balance and curb rising human-wildlife conflict, Tenkasi forest division has launched a massive crackdown on the feeding of monkeys in the popular tourist destination of Courtallam.Under the banners of ‘zero food waste in Courtallam' and ‘no feeding monkeys,' officials are warning that human ‘kindness' is increasingly turning into a death trap for the primates. For years, falls of Courtallam have seen a surge in monkey populations congregating on roads rather than in trees, as the animals lose their natural foraging instincts in favour of processed human snacks. Monkeys are arboreal animals that tend to live in trees and spend most of their lives in trees.Forest officials noted that the transition from a natural diet of fruits and leaves to junk food has triggered a severe health crisis among the local macaque population.DFO R Rajmohan told TOI that the consumption of leftovers and oily snacks has led to rising instances of obesity, skin diseases, and metabolic disorders. Beyond health, the behavioural shift is equally alarming; the expectation of easy food has led to increased aggression, with monkeys frequently attacking tourists to snatch bags. This dependency on roadside feeding has also resulted in a spike in accidental deaths and roadkills, disrupting the forest's delicate ecological equilibrium.He said that monkeys are classified as Schedule I protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act. Consequently, feeding, teasing, or disturbing them is not merely a nuisance but a punishable offence.He stated that public cooperation is the only way to end this conflict, noting that monitoring has been intensified and those found littering food waste or feeding animals will face heavy fines and legal action under wildlife laws; up to 25,000 can be imposed under the respective law.He further mentioned that the department has issued strict advisories for all tourists, shopkeepers, and residents. All food waste must be disposed of exclusively in designated bins, and littering in water bodies or on roadsides is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, schools, hotels, and govt offices in the vicinity are required to maintain high standards of cleanliness to discourage primates from loitering around human settlements."We have already begun installing warning signboards at high-traffic zones and waterfalls, hotels, schools, and colleges," he added.He said that in old Courtallam, monkeys are living happily, as they have already reduced the littering and sensitised the public not to feed the animals."Our foods aren't suitable for monkeys; they are selective eaters. Our thoughts that monkeys rely on the food fed by us should be changed; this thought would eventually kill them. We started a study in Dec; the preliminary study showed that some animals were observed with skin disease and worms. Samples have been sent to the lab; upon report, respective action will be initiated," said Rajmohan.