Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
potential threat from macaques is the potential for disease and that the B-virus
carried by the macaques “is often lethal to humans” (Anon,
2008
). Kemp and
Burnett (
2003
) have also stated that the B-virus is fatal to humans in about
80 percent of cases, although they neglect to mention that cases of this rare
disease in humans has only occurred in the laboratory (see Engel and Jones-
Engel, Chapter 7 for a discussion). Moreover, the B-virus strain is different in
M. fascicularis
from that in
M. mulatta
of which all known cases of transmis-
sion to humans has occurred (Smith
et al
.,
1998
).
The contention that macaques cause damage is overemphasized and it has
a long history. The Chief Conservator of Palau, for example, asserted in 1977
that macaques were damaging, not only the crops on Ngeaur but also the bird
populations (Farslow,
1979
). Kemp and Burnett (
2003
) state that “it is likely
(although not yet reported) that the Angaur macaques prey on native birds,
small vertebrates and eat/destroy native fruits.” Carter (
2007
) makes a simi-
lar assertion. These claims could possibly be validated because long-tailed
macaques have been seen to do so elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Macaques in
Ngeaur are said to dig up and to eat taro especially if other food sources are not
available. Local interviews also established that the animals also may eat and
damage many other crops such as betel nut, oranges, papaya, and pandanus
(Wheatley
et al
.,
2002
). The monkeys are also said to eat the endangered
bekai
eggs (
Megapodius laperouse
), as do the people. They may also destroy the nests
of pigeons, Belau fruit doves, (
Ptilinopus pelewensis
) and the Micronesian star-
ling (
Aplonis opaca
) which nests in betel nut trees, but at this point these claims
are not documented. Another threat stated in the IUCN/SSC Invasive Species
Specialist Group, ISSG Database (Carter,
2007
) is that they probably help to dis-
perse alien plant species and even damage electrical wiring. Lastly, some local
people have worried about the safety of their children with macaques nearby.
1994 Ethnoprimatological survey
In 1994, the author, two faculty members from the University of Guam,
Dr Stephenson and Dr Kurashina, and nine students conducted research on
Ngeaur (Wheatley,
et al
.,
1999b
). Our primary research topic was the hunting
of macaques by the local people. We conducted a line transect survey to esti-
mate the size of the macaque population. Using detailed maps of the island,
we divided up into pairs and slowly walked along 62,360 meters of roads and
trails. We collected 61 samples of over a dozen variables that were recorded the
first minute of contact and half-dozen variables every minute over the next ten
minutes. The mean detection distance was 41.8 meters giving a transect area
of 521 hectares. The number of macaques detected was 286. The population
