The Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown on Human–Primate Coexistence: Insights and Recommendations

Abstract

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a series of human lockdowns. Studying human–animal linkages during these periods is essential in conserving global biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem integrity, and preventing zoonotic diseases. This especially applies to the matters between human and nonhuman primates—their coexistence. In this study, we used community interviews and camera traps to analyze behavioral responses and changes in human–monkey relationships regarding a semi-wild group of macaques (Macaca mulatta) in a tourism area during the lockdown. The results indicate that food provision for macaques from tourists substantially declined. As a result, macaques moved to communities for food, causing increased human–monkey conflicts; consequently, local communities’ attitudes toward macaques prominently changed: those who have experienced severe conflicts are far less tolerant of the macaques than those without experience. Thus, to maintain a cordial coexistence between humans, primates, and other animals in ecotourism areas, we suggest (a) establishing long-term monitoring to maintain a sustainable balance between animal population size and available food resources provided by humans and the environment; (b) improving emergency management policies for controlling monkey populations to prevent the unwanted conflicts between macaques and communities, responding to exceptional circumstances such as the COVID-19 lockdown; (c) strengthening the establishment of conduct code for tourists to avoid conflicts between tourists and primates and the spread of pathogens; and (d) upgrading compensation policies for the damages caused by human–wildlife conflicts and strengthening the cooperation between the community and tourist management; an amicable relationship between communities, economic development, and animal conservation is highly demanded.