Authorities in the Forest Department have launched a formal investigation following the puzzling deaths of nine Bonnet macaques in the Palode area of Thiruvananthapuram.
The bodies of these monkeys were discovered on Sunday, scattered across a rubber plantation and by a nearby stream in Mankayam. A disturbing detail noted by responders was the presence of foam and froth around the animals’ mouths, immediately raising alarms about potential poisoning or a serious disease outbreak.
A thorough post-mortem examination was carried out on Monday at the State Institute for Animal Diseases in Palode. While initial findings from the necroscopy haven’t pinpointed the exact cause, a detailed report is eagerly anticipated. Crucially, a toxicology assessment will also be performed to determine if any poisonous substances were involved.
To ensure the most comprehensive analysis, officials are considering sending samples to the esteemed National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal. These advanced examinations are critical, as they could reveal a wider concern: a potential outbreak of Kyasanur Forest Disease, commonly known as monkey fever – a dangerous tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever – among the local monkey population.
This incident comes amidst ongoing challenges posed by wildlife in several areas, including the Pangode and Peringamala grama panchayats, where normal life is frequently disrupted. The primary culprits behind these disturbances are wild elephants, boars, and indeed, monkeys.
Elephants, for instance, are known to venture into residential zones, causing widespread agricultural damage and instilling fear in residents. Bonnet macaques, the species involved in the recent deaths, also contribute significantly to the problem. They often invade homes, raiding food supplies and causing destruction to property, from electrical wiring to light fixtures. Even school grounds have reported monkey infestations, presenting considerable safety hazards for students.
Farmers in the area have voiced consistent complaints, reporting substantial damage to coconut trees and various fruit crops attributed to these primate intrusions.