Nagaland refuses translocation of Rhesus monkeys from HP

The Nagaland government has turned down the request of the state for translocation of Rhesus monkeys from Himachal Pradesh to Nagaland, an official release said today.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) had requested the Nagaland government for translocation of monkeys, the release said.

However, the Chief Wildlife Warden of Nagaland maintained that "introduction of translocated monkeys in forests in the state might disturb the habit and behaviour pattern of local species", it said.

In his reply the Warden had said, "The ecology of the area/forest is also likely to be disturbed and hence the proposal of translocating monkeys from Himachal Pradesh to Nagaland cannot be considered."
 

The matter was thoroughly discussed and analysed and it was observed that there was no suitable or appropriate habitat in the state for translocated monkeys, he said.

Despite sterilisation drives around 1 lakh monkeys have become bane in Shimla and 37 other Tehsils of the state. Most have been declared "vermins" as they destroy crops and the issue has assumed political dimensions.