Ahmedabad: A rise in monkey attacks and rescue calls has prompted the forest department to launch the city’s first-ever monkey census, shifting focus from complaint-based action to data-driven conflict management.

The move comes amid concerns over the feeding of monkeys, including langurs, near temples, markets, and residential areas, practices officials say are fuelling human-animal conflict.

As part of a preliminary online survey, a 27-point questionnaire is being circulated across Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) zones via Google Forms to collect data on troop size, behaviour, nuisance patterns, and waste disposal. A pilot census will follow to finalise the methodology for a full-scale exercise.

The project, led by the Ahmedabad Social Forestry Circle under researcher Deepa Gavli, was proposed by Deputy Conservator of Forests Minal Jani and approved by the state forest department. Chief Conservator of Forests K. Ramesh said the census will map population, movement, breeding patterns, and conflict zones to improve response strategies.

Authorities noted that Ahmedabad has been witnessing frequent incidents of monkey bites, attacks, and intrusions into homes in search of food. Around 198 locations have been identified as recurring hotspots, including areas such as Vastrapur, Navrangpura, Thaltej, Bopal, Ghuma, Ambawadi, Paldi, Shahibaug, Chandkheda, Naroda, Narol, Sabarmati, Maninagar, and Asarwa.

Officials also pointed out that feeding monkeys, once considered harmless, is now linked to aggression and repeated conflicts. The forest department has intensified awareness and enforcement, warning that feeding monkeys is punishable under the Wildlife Protection Act, with fines of up to ₹25,000 and possible imprisonment for repeat offences. DeshGujarat