Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Other observed human-macaque interactions were those related to discour-
aging the monkeys from entering or loitering around people's properties. These
generally involved using some form of apparatus to chase or scare the monkeys
away. Some of the items used to deter macaques were sling-shots, sticks, toy
machine guns, and buckets of water. Additionally, some people used stuffed
crocodile dolls to keep the monkeys away, as it is believed in local folklore
that the monkeys are scared of crocodiles. These behaviors were almost solely
observed around the entrances of retail shops and street stalls located in and
around the residential areas rather than within the shrine areas.
Monkeys were also seen jumping in and out of slow-moving pick-up trucks
looking for food, taking food and shopping bags out of moped baskets, pull-
ing jewellery off tourists, and snatching water bottles and drinks from people.
People were seen teasing monkeys, pulling their tails and slowing down their
cars to allow monkeys to cross the road.
Attitudes
According to preliminary interviews, there were varying attitudes towards the
macaques. In the most part people liked the macaques and perceived them as a
symbol of Lopburi city. In addition, as is the case at various other sites around
Asia, the traditional Buddhist beliefs afford the monkeys some protection and
people believe they have to be kind to the monkeys (Zhao,
2005
; Fuentes
et al
.,
2005
; Aggimarangsee,
1992
). There were, of course, contrasting opinions, as
some people disliked them, found them intolerable, and wanted to get rid of
them.
Local people also expressed conflicting attitudes towards the sterilization
program underway at the time of this study. Some reported it as being a great
initiative that will solve the overpopulation problem and reduce human-
macaque animosity. Others felt that it was good, but all the monkeys should be
included to humanely exterminate the population. Others felt that by reducing
the population there may not be enough monkeys to attract tourists and there-
fore visitor revenues could decrease.
Management
In 1992, Aggimarangsee reported that the shrines were under the care of the
Fine Arts Department, but maintained by the private sector, which earns rev-
enue from visitors and street vendors. More recently, interviews revealed that
it is only Prang Sam Yot which is under the management of the Fine Arts
Department, and Sarn Pra Karn shrine is managed by the local committee
which is also responsible for managing monkeys within Lopburi. This group
