The Caribbean country of Saint Maarten has approved the controversial plan of culling the entire population of vervet monkeys. Read to know why the Caribbean nation is doing this.
Why is Saint Maarten going to cull vervet monkeys?
The Caribbean nation approved the culling of Vervet monkeys as the species is labeled a “nuisance” by locals of the island. As per a Guardian report, the plan was approved after farmers complained the animals were “raiding their crops and destroying their livelihood”. However, critics of the plan believe sterilization or neutering the species may be a better plan to handle the rising numbers.
The government-funded task will be carried out by Nature Foundation St Maarten, a local NGO. As per its website, it is aiming to “preserve and enhance its (St Maarten’s) nature for generations to come”. Hence, as per the plan, they will be capturing and euthanizing over 450 monkeys in the period of three years. The numbers used are outdated and based on a survey from 2020. In December, the nation’s ministry of tourism, economic affairs, transportation, and telecommunication approved funding of $55,000 for the project.
More on the project
As per Leslie Hickerson, the manager of the NGO, it is difficult to maintain the population of vervet monkeys as the area lacked natural predators. “Species management is also an important aspect of keeping the island healthy for those who come after us,” stated Hickerson. The species originally native to eastern and southern Africa was first introduced in the region in the 17th century. European settlers were using them as exotic pets.
However, Dave Du Toit, the founder of the Vervet Monkey Foundation does not believe culling will work. Instead, he suggests vectorizing the makes and sterilizing females of the species. His organization shelters the injured and orphaned primates in South Africa, the native region of vervet monkeys. Additionally, Du Toit added that research in food disposal and availability of food can help in reaching a harmonious existence between people and monkeys in Saint Maarten.
