LAHORE: As today is International Monkey Day, the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department says it is trying to address the threats faced by the monkey population in parts of Punjab.

Punjab Wildlife and Parks Director General Mudassar Riaz Malik told Dawn on Friday that Pakistan is home to several species of monkeys, found in the humid, temperate forests of mountainous regions like Chitral, Kohistan, Swat, Hazara, and Murree.

The Wildlife Department will also celebrate International Monkey Day at different captive breeding facilities across Punjab.

However, the monkey population faces numerous threats, such as habitat destruction, fragmentation, deforestation, urban sprawl, infrastructure development, excessive hunting for medicinal purposes and entertainment, human-wildlife conflict, climate change and susceptibility to diseases transmitted from humans.

In the wake of these circumstances, the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department is making every effort to address these threats to the monkey population using its available resources, Mr Malik said.

He added that their habitats are being secured, with areas like Murree, Kahuta and Kotli Sattian designated as national parks to prevent hunting and other harmful activities. He said the department is working to completely halt the illegal capture, use for entertainment and smuggling of monkeys for medicinal purposes throughout the province.

Since March 2024, the department has initiated a highly coordinated and effective wildlife combing operation against illegal hunting, trade and encroachment, during which approximately 62 monkeys have been rescued and either released into their natural environment or placed in various wildlife parks and zoos under the department’s management for breeding purposes.

According to the IUCN, the monkey population in Punjab is not currently at risk, but it does face significant threats.

Lahore Zoo houses several species of monkeys, including patas monkeys (two males and three females), vervet monkeys, olive baboons and mona monkeys. The zoo provides them with seasonal fruits, bread, and boiled eggs during winters. Zoo Director Sheikh Zahid said that their housing had been improved, and new gadgets had been introduced in their play area.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2024