Macaques Could See Removal of Protected Status|族群穩定繁衍 擬將獼猴從保育類除名

Taiwanese macaques have been known to steal people's food and farmers' crops. As their population is growing, experts are advising the Forestry Bureau to take them off the list of protected species. But animal conservationists are concerned that would endanger the monkeys' survival.


Taiwanese macaques occasionally steal the food of hikers or enter orchards to steal fruit from farmers. The primate is currently classified as a protected species. The Forestry Bureau recently held a meeting with scholars and experts. They advised the bureau to remove the animal from the list of protected species. A decision will be made by June at the earliest.

Appropriate actions are only taken when animals destroy farmers' crops or affect aviation safety. Otherwise, as far as we can see, most people are no longer hunting wild animals.

Experts say the population of Taiwanese macaques grew steadily from 200,000 in 2000 to the current 250,000. Moreover, it is not that hard for them to survive. As such, they advocate removing the primate from the protected species list. One lychee farmer, who suffered year-round macaque invasions, said electric fences have been effective against macaques. She also said a status demotion doesn't mean she will go and attack and capture them.

I no longer see them. They got scared when they received electric shocks and haven't returned. Macaques are also living creatures with souls. How can you bear to kill them? I wouldn't.

Meanwhile, Taiwan Macaque Chattering Party spokesperson Lin Mei-yin says Taiwanese macaques are only found in Kaohsiung's Chaishan and Changhua's Ershui. A survey conducted by the party found that the number of macaques in Kaohsiung's Shoushan area is falling due to poisoning.

They are a protected species, yet there are so many cases of killing or poisoning. It will become harder for them to survive if their status is demoted.