KUALA LUMPUR – The Wildlife and National Parks Department’s (Perhilitan) explanation that only seven aggressive langurs were killed during a recent culling in Port Dickson has been met with mixed reactions.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday, the department rubbished claims that 20 dusky leaf monkeys were killed on May 19, and said only a few dangerous adult ones were shot dead.
It said it received multiple reports of the animals attacking and seriously injuring people, and that after failing to capture the primates, “the best method to address the human-wildlife conflict” in the area was culling.
Dozens of comments flooded the post, with some users thanking Perhilitan for putting people’s safety first, while others slammed its action.
The most disturbing comment was by one Khair Azry Eeiee, who said: “Perhilitan forgot to shoot these so-called animal lovers as well.”
The majority of netizens who backed Perhilitan’s move said those who disagree with the killings have never experienced being attacked by monkeys, especially langurs, an endangered lutung species.
Mis Khairunnisa, thanking the department for carrying out its duties well, said the culling was done to ensure public safety, adding that Perhilitan would know better than most when it comes to wildlife.
“They wouldn’t just act blindly. I think there is no need to provide an explanation to any individual who attempts to incite disharmony.”
Nad Zaim posted: “Lutungs once entered my house and tried to hurt my children. Even my television broke after they climbed on it. We were lucky we had a stick to chase them away.”
Nor Hasny Ismail questioned if animals’ lives are more important than humans’, adding: “Please think, you can’t expect our children to not be able to play outside (the house).”
Nur Arlisa said she, too, agrees with Perhilitan’s action, and that animals would not “ask” beforehand if it was “okay” to attack people.
The Vibes, acting on a Facebook post by one Nurul Azreen Sultan, on Sunday reported that a family of dusky leaf monkeys were killed by Perhilitan personnel in Batu 2, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan.
Residents have rubbished claims that the creatures were attacking people living in an adjacent teachers’ quarters, insisting that the lutungs are not aggressive, being typically gentle and shy creatures.
Perhilitan has dismissed this, saying eight complaints have been made since January on disturbances caused by the langurs, resulting in the killing of the seven animals.
Where’s the proof, Perhilitan?
Dissatisfied by the department’s explanation, many demanded it provide evidence that the attacks reported were indeed by dusky leaf monkeys.
Social media user Jianyou Lee said scientific research has shown that the species is not aggressive, and that visual proof of attacks by these animals will help researchers conduct more informed studies.
Shana Azooi said Perhilitan must not only provide evidence that lutungs have caused injuries to humans, but also explain how the seven supposedly aggressive monkeys were identified.
Chin Wen asked how the department was able to recognise the seven langurs so quickly, when it takes professionals months to identify individual members of the species.
“Please show the public the procedure your department followed for the culling, and the method involved to recognise aggressive dusky langurs.”
Sam Yap Han Yuan pointed out that the species is endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, therefore, the killings are wrong.
Christine Das said there should be no excuse for the culling and that Perhilitan should have opted for a no-kill solution, such as translocating the animals.
Daniel Haiqal said: “The method used by Perhilitan is extremely disappointing. Relocating them to a nearby protected forest should have been considered.
“Human-wildlife conflicts will always happen as we encroach on their habitat. Humans are not the only living creatures on Earth. What’s more concerning is that the species killed is endangered, and may go extinct if this continues.” – The Vibes, May 27, 2021
