Long-Term and Humane Solutions Needed Beyond Capturing and Killing Monkeys to Protect Crops

Farmers in Nepal’s mid-hill region are facing severe damage to their crops such as maize, rice, and fruits due to monkey invasions, forcing some to abandon farming altogether. The government has declared the rhesus monkey as an agricultural pest, allowing farmers to chase them away if they enter farmlands, but capturing and killing them remains prohibited. Experts emphasize the need for long-term solutions, including scientific data collection on monkey populations and breeding patterns, followed by humane sterilization programs.

The conflict between humans and monkeys is intensifying. As the number of monkeys entering farms increases, so does the practice of confining and killing them. However, there is no clear justification as to who is truly harmed or wronged in this situation. Both sides are suffering—farmers are frustrated as their hard-earned crops are destroyed, while monkeys are forced into human settlements in search of food due to scarcity in the forests. Currently, farmers lack patience to understand the monkeys’ compulsion to enter human habitats.

Across Nepal, there is a growing trend of capturing monkeys and keeping them in enclosures. But is this method the correct way for farmers to protect their crops? Beyond this, questions arise about how just and humane such treatment of wildlife is. What are the scientific and humane strategies available to manage monkey populations while safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods?

We discussed these issues with Dr. Laxman Khanal, a professor at the Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, who specializes in wildlife biology. Complaints of significant crop damage caused by monkeys are mounting in Nepal. Which regions are most affected? The phrase “monkey terror” has become popular, reflecting widespread destruction caused by rhesus monkeys on crops. This problem is particularly severe across the mid-hill districts of Nepal, ranging from the eastern districts of Ilam, Panchthar, and Bhojpur to the western district of Baitadi, all of which are among the hardest hit areas.