Sudden appearance of red-faced monkeys near Gir: Officials begin capture, but origin of animals yet unclear
Former State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) member and wildlife photographer Bhushan Pandya had flagged the issue to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel
Written by Parimal A Dabhi
Ahmedabad | December 19, 2025 07:03 PM IST
3 min read
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The rescued monkeys are being sent to Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh.
Following concerns over the sudden emergence of red-faced monkeys in the Bhesan region of Junagadh district near Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat forest department officials have begun capturing the animals for relocation to their natural habitat.
On December 15, former State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) member and wildlife photographer Bhushan Pandya flagged the issue, writing to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel — who is also the SBWL chairperson — and warning that the unexpected appearance of Rhesus macaques could pose risks to the local ecosystem.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Junagadh, Akshay Joshi, said, “We have rescued 12 Rhesus macaques so far. Some villagers had complained that their agriculture and horticulture species were being damaged. The species are not native. So, for the safety of the wildlife and to preempt human-wildlife conflict, we decided to rescue these animals. We also came to know about this through media reports and in the letter (written by Pandya).”
“We discussed with our senior officers and then started capturing the (red-faced) monkeys,” he added.
Joshi estimated there could be 60–70 monkeys in the area, though the exact number is unclear as “they are in three to four groups”.
On their sudden appearance, he said, “Generally, these monkeys are seen in south Gujarat. Around one and half years back, one or two Rhesus macaques were found in Girnar… we had rescued them. But we do not know how such a big number has come up, whether on its own or some group of madaris has released them. We have inquired about it, but (so far), nobody has given any evidence.”
The rescued monkeys are being sent to Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh. Joshi said that after consultation with senior officers, a decision will be taken on their release into their natural habitat.
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In his letter, Pandya had stated that around 80–100 red-faced monkeys had appeared in Chhodvadi village near Bhesan and urged authorities to investigate how they arrived. He noted that Hanuman langurs are native to the Saurashtra region, while red-faced monkeys are usually found in north and central India, with only limited presence in parts of south Gujarat.
“In reserved areas, the arrival of even a single element from outside is a matter of concern for the entire ecosystem. An external species directly competes with local species, making it dangerous for them,” he wrote.
Pandya also highlighted risks to the region’s ecology — including the Asiatic lion because of a virus the monkeys may carry — and to agriculture, especially the Kesar mango crop. According to him, Hanuman langurs are calm and herbivorous, while red-faced monkeys are aggressive and omnivorous.
Pandya had appealed to the Chief Minister to ensure the monkeys are swiftly captured and relocated to their native habitats.
Parimal A Dabhi works with The Indian Express as Chief of Bureau, focusing on the state of Gujarat. Leveraging his seniority and access, Dabhi is recognized for his reporting on the complex interplay of law, politics, social justice, and governance within the region.
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Caste and Discrimination: He has reported extensively on social boycotts and instances of violence against Dalits (such as the attack on a Dalit wedding party in Patan), the community's demands (like refusing to pick carcasses), and the political responses from leaders like Jignesh Mevani.
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