Why in news?
News reports from Thiruvananthapuram in September 2025 stated that several bonnet macaques were found dead under suspicious circumstances. The incident raised concerns about poisoning and human–wildlife conflict involving this familiar primate of southern India.
About the species
The bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata) is a monkey species endemic to the Indian peninsula. It is named for the swirl of hair on its head that resembles a cap or bonnet. Adults have greyish‑brown fur, a pink face and a long tail. They live in multi‑male, multi‑female troops and follow a strict dominance hierarchy. Macaques are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, flowers and crops. Their natural habitat spans moist forests, scrublands and rocky hills of the Western Ghats and Deccan plateau, but they also thrive in temples, villages and cities where they feed on human handouts and waste.
Conservation concerns
- Status: The bonnet macaque is currently classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, but some local populations are declining due to habitat loss and persecution.
- Human conflict: When macaques raid crops or houses, people sometimes retaliate by poisoning or relocating them, which can be illegal and harmful.
- Habitat fragmentation: Deforestation and urbanisation break up natural territories, forcing macaques to rely on human settlements.
- Disease risk: Close contact with humans can spread diseases such as rabies and herpes B virus in both directions.
The way forward
Conservationists advocate educating communities about the ecological role of macaques and promoting non‑lethal deterrence such as properly storing food waste, using monkey‑proof bins and planting buffer crops. Protecting forest fragments, creating wildlife corridors and enforcing laws against animal poisoning will help balance coexistence. Studying population dynamics and health can guide targeted interventions.