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Minimising Human-Wildlife Conflict: How Laparoscopic Surgery Is Helping Thailand’s Macaques

In recent years, human-wildlife conflict has become an increasingly pressing issue, especially in areas where human populations are in proximity to wildlife habitats. In Thailand, one of the major challenges has been the rising conflicts with macaques. These intelligent and social animals have limited wild spaces, and some populations are trying to survive in urban areas. This leads to increased encounters with people and their properties, creating more conflict.

WFFT is working on a sustainable approach to reduce this conflict and to address growing public concerns: spaying macaques in areas of high populations, using laparoscopic surgery.

Training from Dutch Experts

A team of laparoscopic experts from the Netherlands recently visited WFFT. Their mission was to train our veterinarians and participants including from Mahidol University and the DNP (Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation) in spaying macaques using laparoscopic techniques.

Laparoscopy, commonly known as “keyhole surgery,” is a minimally invasive surgical method that uses small incisions and a camera to guide the procedure. The incisions are so small that they don’t require stitching and cannot reopen or become infected, allowing the animals to be safely returned to nature just hours after surgery. This technique allows for quicker recovery times and fewer complications compared to traditional methods of sterilisation, making it an ideal choice for wildlife management.

Why is this beneficial?

The core of this initiative lies in the idea that controlling the macaque population through spaying, rather than removing them from the wild, is a far more humane and effective long-term solution. Macaques are highly adaptable creatures, and when they live in urban areas, conflict with humans become inevitable. Without a long-term solution, these conflicts will persist.

By supporting authorities in areas with high macaque populations, and where translocation of macaques is not possible, it’s important to find a balance between preserving the species in the wild and mitigating the negative impact of overpopulation. Spaying offers a non-invasive and ethically responsible alternative to extreme measures such as removal from the wild.

A Brighter Future for Humans and Macaques

As we move forward, our goal is clear: to reduce human-wildlife conflict while preserving the integrity of wildlife populations and their natural habitats. Laparoscopy provides an efficient, humane, and sustainable tool for managing macaque populations in areas of high human-wildlife conflict.

Ultimately, we hope to see macaques thriving in the wild, where they belong, without the threat of harm. By combining scientific advancements with compassion, we can create a harmonious coexistence between humans and macaques.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Animal clinic “Westland” and in particular Dr. Michiel Hoynck van Papendrecht for their invaluable support and expertise.

WFFT

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