Human-wildlife conflict has long been a challenging issue faced in many regions, particularly in areas rich in biodiversity like Guangxi in southwestern China, known as one of the global biodiversity hotspots. On June 28, 2023, Dr. Jinfeng Zhou, the Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), conducted a field biodiversity research expedition in Longyi Village, Du'an Township, Debao County, Guangxi. His primary focus was to investigate the prevalent issue of human-monkey conflict. During the field research, Dr. Zhou interviewed local villagers to understand the impact of monkeys descending from the mountains on various crops and the existing challenges they face.
According to the farmers, the issue caused by monkeys goes beyond just damaging corn crops; their primary concern lies in the destruction of overall vegetation. Sometimes, monkeys uproot even the young corn seedlings from the ground. Farmers expressed their frustrations, describing how the monkeys infiltrate the fields to dig up sweet potatoes, inflicting significant harm on corn growth. Large groups of over a hundred monkeys often pose an insurmountable challenge for villagers, who resort to using dogs as a deterrent, but their effectiveness is limited to the immediate vicinity of the village.
Furthermore, farmers mentioned that setting up scarecrows or mannequins in the fields has proven ineffective in deterring monkeys. At present, their only recourse is relying on dogs to protect their crops. However, this method has become ineffective in mountainous areas, as the monkeys sometimes attack in massive groups. According to the villagers, an acre of crops can be completely destroyed, with monkeys pulling out seedlings from the ground, resulting in substantial losses for the farmers.
The human-monkey conflict is a pressing issue for local farmers, directly affecting their crop yields and livelihoods. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach that considers viable measures to protect the interests of farmers while minimizing the negative impacts of human-monkey conflict on ecological balance. Dr. Zhou expressed gratitude for the insights shared by the villagers and affirmed that further discussions with relevant departments and organizations will take place. Through in-depth research and the support of government agencies, more effective solutions can be found to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, ensuring both sustainable economic development and the conservation of local biodiversity.
Reporter: Littlejane
Editor: YJ
Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776
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