Jinfeng Zhou's Field Research on Biodiversity in Guangxi: To Mitigate Human-Monkey Conflict for Sustainable Livelihoods and Biodiversity Conservation in Our Neighborhood (BCON)
Human-wildlife
conflict has long been a challenging issue faced in many regions, particularly
in areas rich in biodiversity like Guangxi in southwestern China, known as one
of the global biodiversity hotspots. On June 28, 2023, Dr. Jinfeng Zhou,
Secretary-General of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development
Foundation (CBCGDF), conducted field biodiversity research in Longyi Village,
Du'an Township, Debao County, Guangxi. His primary focus was to investigate the
prevalent issue of human-monkey conflict. During the field research, Dr. Zhou
interviewed local villagers to understand the impact of monkeys descending from
the mountains on various crops and the existing challenges they face.
According
to the farmers, the issue caused by monkeys goes beyond just damaging corn
crops; their primary concern lies in the destruction of overall vegetation.
Sometimes, monkeys uproot even the young corn seedlings from the ground.
Farmers expressed their frustrations, describing how the monkeys infiltrate the
fields to dig up sweet potatoes, inflicting significant harm on corn growth.
Large groups of over a hundred monkeys often pose an insurmountable challenge
for villagers, who resort to using dogs as a deterrent, but their effectiveness
is limited to the immediate vicinity of the village.
Furthermore,
farmers mentioned that setting up scarecrows or mannequins in the fields has
proven ineffective in deterring monkeys. At present, their only recourse is
relying on dogs to protect their crops. However, this method has become
ineffective in mountainous areas, as the monkeys sometimes attack in massive
groups. According to the villagers, an acre of crops can be completely
destroyed, with monkeys pulling out seedlings from the ground, resulting in
substantial losses for the farmers.
The
human-monkey conflict is a pressing issue for local farmers, directly affecting
their crop yields and livelihoods. Addressing this problem requires a
comprehensive approach that considers viable measures to protect the interests
of farmers while minimizing the negative impacts of human-monkey conflict on
ecological balance. Dr. Zhou expressed gratitude for the insights shared by the
villagers and affirmed that further discussions with relevant departments and
organizations will take place. Through in-depth research and the support of
government agencies, more effective solutions will be found to mitigate
human-wildlife conflict, ensuring both sustainable economic development and the
conservation of local biodiversity.
Original
Chinese Article: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/1IHvxdwMC88XuFoo5HiSMQ
Translator:
Samantha
Editor:
Samantha
Contact: V10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776
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