IPB University Expert Comments on Long-tailed Monkeys Entering Residential Areas

In recent days, a group of wild animals, particularly long-tailed monkeys, have been reported entering residential areas and even a number of public spaces, including parks in the Sempur area and the IPB Dramaga Campus.

Responding to this, the Chair of the IPB University Primate Study Center (PSSP), Prof Huda S Darusman, explained that this phenomenon is part of primates’ adaptation to environmental changes.

“Primates are animals that are most adaptable and learn new behaviors very quickly,” he said.

According to him, even though it is currently the rainy season, which generally provides abundant natural food, long-tailed macaques still choose food sources that are easier to reach.

Prof Huda said that monkeys tend to look for human food scraps from open trash. “They scavenge for food because it is an effective survival strategy. Scattered food waste is the easiest source of food,” he explained.

Long-tailed monkeys have been present around the IPB Dramaga Campus since the 1970s. Massive habitat fragmentation has brought these animals closer to humans.

“Land conversion into residential areas, tourist attractions, and other facilities has forced primate groups to find new locations that provide food,” said Prof. Huda.

Regarding public concerns about the aggressiveness of these animals, Prof Huda warned that physical interaction is dangerous for both parties. “Humans and primates share many similar diseases, so bites and scratches have the potential to transmit disease,” he said.

“Basically, monkeys are afraid of humans. However, they can react aggressively if they sense fear in humans,” explained Prof Huda.

This phenomenon is not the first of its kind. Since 2017, PSSP IPB University has recorded a number of similar incidents and has carried out deterrence, selective capture, and translocation.

One effective method is to identify the alpha male or leader of the group. “Once the leader is captured for medical treatment and translocation, the group structure breaks down and the level of invasion decreases,” said Prof Huda.

For long-term measures, IPB University is reviewing ecosystem control options, including providing feeding points near their natural habitat and reforestation of food trees. However, according to Prof. Huda, this step must be accompanied by a culture of closed waste disposal.

“If humans continue to produce open food waste, primates will continue to return,” he said. (dr) (IAAS/LAN)