KOTA KINABALU: Long-tailed macaques in Sabah are increasingly subjected to cruel treatment as they are widely regarded as pests, says the Danau Girang Field Centre.
The wildlife research and education non-governmental organisation said current methods for dealing with human–macaque conflict are often inhumane, citing frequent sightings of animals with missing hands or badly injured limbs.
According to the centre, many of these injuries are caused by wire snares and improper cage traps.
The centre urged the public to adopt humane conflict-mitigation measures.
The centre recommended removing food sources that attract macaques and advised against feeding them. It also suggested installing physical barriers, including netting, window grilles and purpose-built guards, to keep macaques out.
Non-harmful deterrents, such as water sprayers and loud noises, can be used to discourage macaques and reinforce boundaries, the centre added.
For long-term population management, the organisation called for support of science-based approaches, including habitat protection and sterilisation programmes such as trap‑neuter‑release.
