Red-faced monkeys spotted near Gir sanctuary, ex-Gujarat wildlife board member flags ‘dangerous’ threat in letter to CM

Pandya pointed out that the Hanuman langur is the native monkey species of the Saurashtra region, while red-faced monkeys are primarily found in north and central India, with limited presence in parts of south Gujarat. In his letter, he wrote, “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.”

Pandya further said that farmers in the region are already facing losses as the monkeys are damaging roof tiles, solar panels, water pipelines, and telephone and electricity cables. They are also destroying crops and pose a serious threat to Kesar mango orchards in the coming season. “Farmers have built walls and fencing to protect their fields from blue bulls and wild boars, but such measures will be completely ineffective against mankda,” the letter stated.

He also highlighted the potential threat posed by the monkeys to the local ecosystem, including Asiatic lions, as well as to agriculture, particularly the famed Kesar mango crop. According to Pandya, Hanuman langurs are generally calm and herbivorous, whereas red-faced monkeys are aggressive and omnivorous. He added that the red-faced monkeys may be carriers of viruses that could prove fatal for the Asiatic lions and other animals in the wild.

“Mankda live in large groups, which increases their strength and boldness. Due to their aggressive nature, they often create terror in human habitation areas,” he noted.

Urging swift action, Pandya appealed to the Chief Minister to ensure that the monkeys are captured and relocated to their native habitats before their numbers increase and they spread further into the Gir landscape. “The longer this is delayed, the more serious the situation will become, and it may become almost impossible to capture them,” he warned.

Copies of the letter have also been sent to Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia and other concerned officials. Speaking to The Indian Express, Modhwadia said, “I will get the issue examined.”