Zomba’s monkey invasion has reached a point where wildlife experts say leaving the animals alone could put people and property at risk.
Environmental Expert Alufeyo Mwalukomo has defended the decision by authorities to conduct a monkey control exercise in selected residential areas of the old capital city.
Recently Zomba City Council announced that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) would conduct the monkey control exercise in Mangasanja, Mulungudzi and Old Naisi residential areas.
The exercise is aimed at controlling and dispersing monkeys that have increasingly been entering residential areas, causing disturbances to residents and damage to property.
Speaking to Malawi24 Mwalukomo said the increasing presence of monkeys in residential areas suggests that their population has grown.
According to the Expert, said it is necessary for authorities to control their numbers and prevent further conflict between humans and wildlife.
“Much as people and animals depend on each other in an environment, it must not reach the extent where animals must endanger human life,” Mwalukomo said.
According to Mwalukomo, the situation is similar to cases where wild animals such as elephants move into human settlements and begin endangering people.
