In a bid to find scientific and permanent solution to the everlasting conflict between the monkeys and the several lakhs of tourists visiting Courtallam every year, Tenkasi Forest Division has initiated a study in association with the students of Sri Parasakth College for Women, Courtallam.
According to District Forest Officer, Tenkasi, R. Rajmohan, students and the faculty members of Sri Parasakthi College would study different troops of monkeys that mark their boundaries at several places of Courtallam, nearby reserve forest and the adjoining areas, their family structure, habits, food habit that got influenced by the tourists feeding the monkeys with a range of foodstuff ranging from fruits to parotta etc. After recording these information in comprehensive fashion, the collected data would be analysed for identifying the solution for the conflict between man and monkeys that also enter the residential areas in search of food during scarcity.
“We need to have humane approach… Translocation of monkeys from the possible conflict zones will never put an end to this. We need to study monkeys’ mutated habits and the food habits influenced by the tourists and others. So, we’ll collect data from Courtallam, nearby reserve forest areas and the adjoining residential areas which will provide ample information to arrive at credible solution. Moreover, this survey will also lead the right solution for disposal of degradable waste especially huge quantity of food discarded indiscriminately in Courtallam by the visitors. Above all, the survey will create awareness among the public on conserving wildlife, especially the monkeys, which had developed close bond with the humans over the years at Courtallam,” Dr. Rajmohan said.
Published – January 23, 2026 09:31 pm IST
