In a move balancing conservation efforts with increasing human-wildlife conflict, the National Board of Wildlife, under the Environment Ministry, has reinstated Schedule II protection for the Rhesus Macaque. This decision aims to provide stricter safeguards for the species against hunting, trade, and acts of cruelty.
The decision comes amid divided opinions among states, highlighting the complexities of managing wildlife populations in close proximity to human settlements. While the specific reasons for the initial removal of the special protection level remain unspecified, the reinstatement suggests a renewed emphasis on the conservation of Rhesus Macaques.
Under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Rhesus Macaque receives a degree of protection, although the law allows for hunting under specific conditions, such as when the species is declared 'vermin' for a particular period if it poses a threat to human life or property. This provision reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing conservation with the safety and livelihoods of local communities.
The ministry has directed states to develop site-specific plans to address the rising conflicts between humans and monkeys, as well as human-leopard encounters. This suggests a recognition that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient and that tailored strategies are needed to manage these complex interactions effectively.
The move has been welcomed by wildlife groups who have been advocating for stronger protections for Rhesus Macaques, citing population declines and increased vulnerability to exploitation. Earlier in March, more than 30 wildlife organizations, led by PETA India, urged the government to reinstate safeguards under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, emphasizing that the removal of legal protection had left the macaques vulnerable to hunting, exploitation, and ecological disruption. These groups pointed to census data indicating a 25% drop in the Rhesus Macaque population in Uttarakhand since 2015, with similar trends observed in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. They also highlighted the crucial role of Rhesus Macaques in seed dispersal and forest regeneration, warning that declining numbers could lead to significant ecological imbalances.
The wildlife groups also raised concerns about increased cruelty, illegal pet trade, and the potential misidentification of other macaque species, such as the bonnet macaque, which remain protected. They noted that weakened protections had led to rising cases of monkeys being trafficked for social media exploitation, used for entertainment, and subjected to abuse in laboratories. Furthermore, the groups emphasized the cultural and religious significance of Rhesus Macaques, revered in India as representations of Lord Hanuman, arguing that their mistreatment could provoke public outrage.
The restoration of Schedule II protection to the Rhesus Macaque represents a significant step towards ensuring the conservation of this important species while acknowledging the need to manage human-wildlife conflict effectively. The success of this measure will depend on the development and implementation of effective, site-specific plans by state authorities, as well as continued collaboration between government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities.
