Due to an ever increasing dilemma around the planet, primates in Africa increasingly struggle to find space to live as their habitat is destroyed and degraded. Primates are nothing if not resilient and they often solve this problem by adapting to new environments and feeding strategies. This could mean raiding crops, foraging in urban areas and even being so bold to take food directly from the hands of humans.  When resentment and frustration build from humans, the species is labeled as a “pest,” and it becomes very difficult to change public opinion.

A common accusation against primates is the destruction of crops. Most monkeys and apes are able to survive on a diversity of food, but when their forests are continually cut back, they are left with few options. For some, crops provide an accessible food source. In Uganda, certain families of mountain gorillas living in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest have picked up the habit of foraging in local farming fields. Besides an economic loss to farmers, this situation is also a huge risk to mountain gorillas, who could be shot or poisoned in retaliation, and humans, who could be hurt by a gorilla if they approach them too closely. One solution that has been developed is to establish a “buffer zone” of a crop that is unattractive to gorillas, such as tea. Researchers from Max Planck Institute discovered that in order for this approach to be effective, the buffer zone must be a monoculture crop of just tea. If other crops are interspersed, as is a routine practice, the buffer zone will be ineffective. Constantly fine-tuning methods is necessary, especially when dealing with such highly intelligent animals.

Possibly the most at fault for exacerbating these issues are tourists. If you are fortunate enough to travel to or live in Africa, you can play your part in protecting monkeys by never feeding them. It is crucial to remember that while the close interaction may seem like a special bonding moment or an awesome photo op, you may be sealing the fate of that animal. This includes ensuring the animal is not unintentionally fed as well. Follow the rules of the places you are staying. If staying in a tent or hut, do not store any food inside. If in a cabin or hotel, remember that primates have opposable thumbs and always make sure your doors are locked or monkeys may double-check it for you! Every time a monkey is fed by a tourist, deliberately or not, it reinforces their perception that humans are a source of food and increases the likelihood of retaliation. Colobus Conservation, a PASA member located in Kenya, provides workshops and an extensive manual to help hotels put better practices into place to prevent these unfortunate interactions from occurring.