• Gov’t to consider sending 100,000 toque macaques to China per request
• matter under discussion with DWC, Agri Ministry
• Committee to be appointed to study matter after Cabinet approval

Authorities of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and the Ministry of Agriculture are currently discussing the provision of 100,000 toque macaques (a reddish brown coloured Old World monkey endemic to Sri Lanka and known as the ‘rilawa’) to China, considering a request made by the latter to the same effect.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Media Director of the Ministry, Dharma Wanninayake said that a group of Chinese representatives has submitted a request to the Ministry to provide Sri Lankan toque macaques to zoological gardens in China. He said that a special meeting was held at the Ministry yesterday (11) to discuss the possibility of providing 100,000 toque macaques to China under the first phase of the programme. The meeting was attended by officials from the DWC, the Zoological Gardens Department, and the Attorney General's Department.

During the meeting, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that steps should be taken to appoint a committee consisting of officials from the relevant institutions to study the legal situation regarding the matter. He said that a proposal would be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers seeking approval for the appointment of the said committee.

The Ministry has meanwhile stated that the toque macaque population of the country is close to three million at present. A survey conducted by the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Training and Research Institute has confirmed that the highest intensity or severity of crop damage has been reported due to toque macaques. According to surveys conducted in 250 agricultural development areas, toque macaques have caused complete damages to crops in 110 areas, severe damages in 235 areas and partial damages in 155 areas.  

The toque macaque is listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature due to habitat destruction and hunting, and also for the pet trade. Much of the original forested habitat of the toque macaque has been lost, between 1956 and 1993. Plantations and deforestation have been the main drivers of habitat loss.