Sri Lanka Conducts First-Ever Nationwide Census on Monkeys, Squirrels, and Peacocks to Address Agricultural Losses:

Sri Lanka conducted its first-ever island-wide wildlife census on Saturday to assess the impact of monkeys, squirrels, and peacocks on agriculture. The initiative aimed to gather data on animal populations that cause significant crop damage.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Namal Karunaratna, confirmed the success of the census, highlighting strong public participation. “I personally took part and witnessed the enthusiasm among participants,” he stated.

Between 8:00 and 8:05 am, each household was required to fill out a form recording the number of Toque monkeys, purple-faced langurs, giant squirrels, and peacocks observed in their area.

Data Collection for Crop Protection

The primary objective of the census was data collection to understand the extent of agricultural threats posed by wildlife. Karunaratna explained that the gathered information would be handed over to the Department of Agriculture for further analysis and policy implementation.

Approximately 40,000 state officials at the grassroots level facilitated the census. Officials emphasized that such data is crucial to formulating strategies to minimize crop damage and enhance food security.

Impact of Wildlife on Agriculture

A previous survey conducted in 2022 over six months revealed that wildlife-induced crop damage in Sri Lanka amounted to nearly 30 billion rupees. Farmers have long struggled with losses caused by these animals, prompting the government to take corrective action.

Despite the census’ success, some farmer organizations criticized the initiative, calling it ineffective in addressing the real issues. However, the government remains committed to using the collected data to develop practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.