Within the heart of Lopburi’s old town, with age-old historical sites providing the backdrop, a wildlife census was conducted this month under the proficient directorship of Suttipong Kamtaptim. As the head of Lopburi’s wildlife conservation division, Suttipong helmed this initiative, and the survey revealed fascinating facts about the town’s monkey population. With an overall total of 2,206 monkeys, the playful residents spanned across four significant areas.
Let’s venture into these areas, each brimming with its unique populace. At Phra Prang Sam Yot, a historical treasure, the highest number of monkeys were found. A total of 1,019 monkeys were living amongst the shadow of the past – 173 of them males, 387 females, with a significant section of 374 still unidentified by sex. Capping off this quadrant were 85 endearing baby monkeys.
At Manora Market, hustling and bustling amidst the local people, a smaller population of monkeys was identified. The survey counted 237 monkeys carving out their existence in the buzz of the marketplace. This included 83 males, 80 females, a chunk of 50 monkeys unidentified by sex, and a small family of 24 infants.
Intriguingly enough, at Chayowanich autopart shop, located amidst the humdrum of machines and parts, was found a thriving cohort of 625 monkeys. The breakdown, as provided by Suttipong, included 135 males, 206 females, a considerable group of 235 monkeys unidentified by sex, and 49 young offspring in their midst.
At the Phra Kan Shrine, amongst the echoes of prayer and serenity, resided 325 monkeys. The shrine hosted a balanced demographic of 87 males, 106 females, and a significant 122 monkeys that could not be distinguished by sex. In these sacred surroundings, the soft padding of 10 baby monkeys could also be heard.
This survey, undertaken by Lopburi’s wildlife conservation division, has a greater purpose than mere numbers. As outlined by the Lopburi Provincial Public Relations Office, it is instrumental in devising strategies for controlling and managing the ever-growing monkey population. The insights derived from the data will equip officials with the necessary knowledge to maintain a balanced coexistence of the bonnet macaques amidst Lopburi’s human population. Ensuring harmony in Lopburi’s unique urban-wildlife dynamic, is, after all, the ultimate goal.
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