Latest news with #KFRI
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Kerala plans ABC programme for ‘vulnerable' Bonnet macaque to address conflict issues
Kochi: The Kerala forest department is set to implement an Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme for Bonnet macaque primates, which are classified as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, to address conflicts with humans. As part of it, a consultation meeting of experts was held in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. In conjunction with the ABC programme, the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has started a study to assess the population of Bonnet macaque primates in forest fringes and human habitats in Kerala. The study is part of one of the 10 missions conceived by the forest department to address human-animal conflicts, specifically focusing on human-monkey conflicts. The forest department notes that more primates are found in markets based in towns, tourism spots and agricultural fields. "We have raised the primate issue and the need to conduct the ABC programme with the ministry of environment and forests and climate change. They have asked us to come up with a consultation report. In many parts of Kerala, especially in Wayanad, conflicts with primates are reported in large numbers. The issue in tourism spots is due to tourists feeding the primates. Despite the fault lying with humans, people don't understand it," said a department source. Studies have shown that feeding wildlife, including primates, exacerbates conflict incidents, behavioural issues, disease transmission, health issues for the animals and other adverse implications like road kills. Bonnet macaque was classified as 'vulnerable' by the IUCN in 2015 due to its population decline. "As per old Tamil literature, which is over 3,000 years old, Bonnet macaque used to live in human landscapes. In some places, their concentration is high, while in others, there is occasional crop raiding. The question is whether these primates are typical forest species or not. Their population is less in forests and they are not seen in deep forests. They are mostly seen in forest fringes and human habitats. Capture, sterilisation and translocation of the primates are not possible since a study found that they return to their old location," said KFRI wildlife biology department head Peroth Balakrishnan. A study carried out in Wayanad recommended that authorities impose a legal ban on public feeding of the Bonnet macaque and implement proper waste management. Since the species has been included in the vulnerable classification based on a study conducted in Karnataka, the govt will need to consider conservation aspects when taking up the ABC programme.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
KFRI begins Statewide macaque population study
In quiet temple courtyards, bustling market streets, and forest-fringe villages of Kerala, a familiar face is becoming a cause for growing concern. The bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata) endemic to peninsular India is now at the centre of escalating human-wildlife conflicts (HWC). In Kerala, these primates are involved in over 15% of all reported human-wildlife conflict incidents, ranging from crop damage and property destruction to aggressive encounters and health concerns. In response, the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has launched a Statewide initiative to map the distribution and population of these macaques, aiming at understanding and managing their increasing interactions with humans. Led by Peroth Balakrishnan, Head of the Department of Wildlife Biology at the KFRI, and funded by the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department, the project takes a comprehensive approach. 'The bonnet macaque is not just a victim of habitat loss, it's a symbol of how human-dominated landscapes are reshaping wildlife behaviour and distribution,' said Dr. Balakrishnan. 'Our study is designed to go beyond just numbers; we aim at understanding the social, ecological, and cultural dimensions of the conflict and developing actionable strategies for peaceful coexistence.' Vulnerable category Once listed as a species of Least Concern, the bonnet macaque has now been moved to the Vulnerable category on the IUCN Red List following sharp population decline and local extinctions. The project aims at mapping spatial distribution of bonnet macaques across Kerala, estimating their population size and trends, identifying conflict hotspots using field data and community input, understanding local perceptions, assessing both old and new conflict mitigation methods, and developing evidence-based policies for long-term human-macaque conflict management. Though several conflict mitigation efforts have been tried in Kerala and beyond, most had limited impact. Population control is often proposed as a solution, but experts stress that before considering measures such as culling, sterilisation, hormonal or immunocontraception, it is essential to identify high-conflict groups and carry out scientific population assessment. An estimate from 1981 suggests that Kerala has around 11,000 bonnet macaques in 500 troops across rural and urban areas. The general wildlife surveys never considered primate population outside forest areas. This study is designed to fill that critical gap, providing the scientific and ethical foundation needed for informed management decisions. Fieldwork will span both commensal habitats (urban temples, villages, towns) and semi-commensal areas (sacred groves, forest roads, canal banks), using a combination of roadside and random path surveys, stakeholder interviews, and participatory mapping with local communities and forest officials. Changes in interaction Sheheer T.A., a PhD scholar at KFRI researching bonnet macaque behaviour, pointed to worrying changes in how these monkeys interact with people. 'In many forest-edge and tourist areas, people started feeding macaques—often out of kindness or curiosity. Over time, the monkeys began to expect it, acting as if human food was their right,' he said. 'When tourists disappear and food handouts stop, they turn to raiding nearby homes. It shows just how deeply, and sometimes dangerously, human habits are shaping wildlife behaviour.' 'Kerala's human-animal conflict landscape is evolving rapidly, and solutions must be rooted in science, compassion, and cooperation and not retaliation or resentment,' added Dr. Balakrishnan. 'Through this approach, we need to set a model for managing primate-human interactions, one that can inform efforts not only in Kerala but across southern India,' he added. People can contact KFRI team at 99611 96526 if they encounter a bonnet macaque troop.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2025: citizen scientists gear up for third season of frog mapping
The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) through its Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics has launched the third edition of the Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, a citizen science initiative aimed at documenting frogs across Kerala during the southwest monsoon. The programme officially began on Friday, following the India Meteorological Department's declaration of monsoon onset and will continue until October 1. Over the past two years, this initiative has become a vibrant platform for nature enthusiasts, students, forest watchers, researchers, and the public to actively engage in biodiversity documentation. In 2023 and 2024, over 3,000 amphibian observations were contributed by nearly 400 citizen scientists, recording more than 100 species from various habitats—home gardens, roadsides, paddy fields, wetlands, and forest streams. Notable species Some notable species recorded include the purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis), a rare, burrowing species endemic to the Western Ghats; Malabar gliding frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus), known for its ability to leap and glide between trees; Silent Valley bush frog (Raorchestes silentvalley); Kalpetta yellow bush frog (Raorchestes nerostagona; wrinkled frog (Nyctibatrachus spp.); and the stream-dwelling micrixalus frogs with their characteristic foot-flagging behaviour. All observations are contributed via the iNaturalist platform, allowing participants to submit frog photos and call recordings from any location across the State. These sightings help map the distribution of both common and threatened amphibians, track their breeding patterns, and assess habitat preferences—especially for those found outside protected areas. 'Frogs are important ecological indicators, acting as natural pest controllers and food for many animals. Their presence reflects ecosystem health and freshwater availability,' says Peroth Balakrishnan, Head of the Wildlife Biology Division at KFRI and coordinator of the programme. 'Through Monsoon Croaks, we not only generate critical data, but also build a community of biodiversity ambassadors.' Ecological research Verified observations from this initiative are contributed to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), a worldwide open-access biodiversity database. These data are valuable for ecological research, environmental education, conservation planning, and climate change studies. This year, the KFRI aims to reach more rural communities, school eco-clubs, and nature groups by offering training sessions and frog walk events. A special focus will be on identifying breeding habitats for endemic frogs under threat due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate variability, according to Dr. Balakrishnan. To participate in the event, download iNaturalist app and join the Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2025 project. For more information, visit:
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Controlled burning ensures food security for Nilgiri tahrs in Eravikulam
In a strategic move to protect both wildlife and local communities, Eravikulam National Park (ENP) — the natural habitat of the endangered Nilgiri tahr — has embraced the controlled burning of grasslands. As fresh grass carpets the hills, wild animals find ample food, and the once-rising cases of human-animal conflict in Munnar are now on the decline. ENP assistant wildlife warden Nithin Lal said that this year, the Forest department conducted controlled burning on nearly 750 hectares. 'The controlled burning process starts in December and is completed in January. After the summer rain, hills where controlled burning was carried out changes into green carpets,' said the official. 'Every three years, the grass in the grasslands of ENP will become unsuitable for grazing. Nilgiri tahr and other animals will not feed on such grass. At that point, controlled burning will be carried out to ensure food security,' said Mr. Lal. 'Newborn Nilgiri tahr calves are eating the newly-grown grass from the grasslands. Controlled burning also ensures food security for wild elephants, including other animals in the Munnar landscape,' said the official. Since three decades According to officials, the Forest department started the process in Eravikulam around 30 years ago, based on the know-how from the tribal communities. According to Forest department sources, after the new grass grew following controlled burning on the hills, the wild animals, including wild elephants begin camping on the grasslands, which also reflects the reduction of human-animal conflict cases in Munnar. The Forest department, in association with the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and the Scheduled Tribe Development department, has launched an initiative called 'Gothrabheri' to use tribal knowledge to mitigate human-animal conflict incidents in the State and also highlighted the importance of controlled burning. 'Gothrabheri' State nodal officer Raju K. Francis said that tribal population across Kerala an immediate tool to mitigate human-animal conflict cases in forest border areas. 'Controlled burning should be conducted inside forests in an emergency manner,' said Mr. Francis.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Shift in ecosystem of Parambikulam forests through the eyes of tribes
In a groundbreaking discovery, the Forest department's 'Gothrabheri' programme, an initiative to tap into indigenous knowledge, has unveiled a fascinating narrative from the heart of the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. At a recent seminar, a tribal participant revealed a shift in the ecosystem: while peacocks have flourished over the past decade, sightings of the once-common hump-nosed viper (locally called Churutta) are steadily declining. This revelation offers a glimpse into the nuanced balance of predator and prey, as seen through the eyes of the forest's original inhabitants. The Gothrabheri project was launched by the Forest department in association with the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and the Scheduled Tribe Development department to explore tribal knowledge to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in the State. From T.N. The project's State nodal officer Raju K. Francis states, 'According to tribal observations, peacocks prey on the hump-nosed vipers, which helps regulate the viper population that feeds on peacock eggs.' 'But for the last two years, giant peacocks from Top Slip in Tamil Nadu have arrived in the forests of Parambikulam and have fed on the vipers. The decline in vipers have led to a disproportionate surge in the peacock population. The Forest department will inspect whether the same happened in any other forests in the State,' says Mr. Francis. 'The tribespeople also mentioned that normally, animals and birds eat various types of fruits and seeds and when they excrete inside the forests, it helps in the growth of new plants. Whereas in the case of peacocks, they grind the seeds and eat them. Hence, there would not be a trace of seeds and no chance for new plant growth. This contributes to the afforestation of ground forests. The increase in the number of peacocks was noticed in various parts of the State, including in Idukki,' says the official. Dryness of land The presence of peacocks indicates the dryness of the land. 'The Forest department will conduct a scientific study with the support of respective authorities and agencies over the concerns raised by the tribespeople regarding the viper-peacock issue. It is a remarkable information from the tribal community. Hilly regions, including Idukki, have observed the presence of peacocks. We need to find the reason that led to their the presence,' adds Mr. Francis. The Gothrabheri project, according to officials, involves hosting a series of 15 seminars in various parts of the State. Through the initiative, the Forest department will engage in discussions with representatives from diverse tribal hamlets. 'After completing the seminars, a workshop will be conducted in Thiruvananthapuram with the presence of start-ups and experts,' says Mr. Francis.
