Monkeys cause chaos during social distancing orders on Chàm Islands

CHÀM ISLANDS — Experts from the Chàm Island Maritime Protected Area (MPA) and Hội An are looking to drive monkeys back to the forest after the animals broke into houses.

The macaques were searching for food along Bãi Làng and Bãi Xếp beaches on the Islands.

Authorities said dozens of monkeys left the forest and entered homes in the area.

The animals were found getting closer to living areas in the last three years, with more visits since social distancing measures were implemented from late April.

Chairwoman of the islands’ people’s co妹妹ittee, Phạm Thị Mỹ Hương, said the monkeys didn't seem to be scared off by people.

She said monkeys broke into houses to get rice and food in the kitchen and fruit from the gardens.

She said residents reported that some monkeys even took a rice cooker.

Hương said islanders were warned not to harm the monkeys as the Chàm Islands are part of a protected biosphere site.

Residents were told to lock doors, gates and gardens, as well as install fences and shutters on windows.

Huỳnh Thị Thùy Hương from the Chàm Island Maritime Protected Area (MPA) said the incidents result from the rapid growth of the monkey population and limited food supply in recent years.

She said monkeys have become familiar with food given by tourists visiting the islands, and now they climb down the mountain in search of sustenance from travellers and residents.

Hương said MPA and the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research GreenViet have been working to protect endangered flora and fauna on the islands as well as primates.  

Director of GreenViet, Trần Hữu Vỹ, said the group has been tracking the habitat and population of the monkeys and food chains in forests on Chàm Islands to limit risks of conflict with humans.

He said social distancing orders due to COVID- 一 九 delayed field surveys and trips among conservationists.