A Review: Human – Macaque Conflict in Sri Lanka

Conflicting interactions between humans and primates is a significant problem that poses a threat to the conservation of primate species diversity in habitat countries. We reviewed scientific literature on the toque macaque (Macaca sinica) published over the last 14 years in Sri Lanka regarding human – primates’ conflicts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge and to identify gaps and priorities for conservation efforts. Our review revealed an increasing trend in the number of publications over time, with a peak between 2010 and 2021. The toque macaque was the most studied species while the tufted grey langur was the least studied. Additionally, we determined which of these species of primates are most involved in conflictive interactions, which crops are most often damaged and the people’s attitudes towards them. Toque macaques were the species that engaged in such interactions with humans most frequently. The increase in such interactions is being exacerbated by the destruction of forest cover and the establishing of human settlements within and around the forests where primates live. In addition, aggressive human behavior leads to conflicting interactions between primates and humans. Due to the economic damage that primates can cause local people tend to be more aggressive towards non-forest primates than forested primate species. According to the development research on human-primate conflicts, after 2005, scholars have become more interested in this topic than they were in or before 2010. Researchers’ concern over human-primate disputes suggests that they may become even more prevalent in Sri Lanka in the future. Most publications focused on human-monkey interactions, with the second highest number focusing on ecology. We also found that there were few studies using molecular genetic techniques or investigating the effects of climate change. Additionally, there were limited studies on practical conservation efforts such as habitat protection and corridor establishment. Despite the wealth of literature available, our review highlights the significant gaps in knowledge and the need for applied research efforts to help protect and conserve primates and their habitats in Sri Lanka.