Riteish Deshmukh on his relationship with paparazzi: I have never refused a pap pic till date because…Actor Riteish Deshmukh shares insights on his relationship with paparazzi, highlighting the effort they put into their work. Published on: May 09
WFI issues show-cause notice to Vinesh Phogat, accuses her of multiple breaches; grappler barred from competingWFI declares Vinesh Phogat ineligible to compete till June 26. A show-cause notice has also been issued. Updated on: May 09, 2026 2:38 PM IST By Vishesh Roy Share via Copy link The
The image of a doctor has traditionally been a professional grounded in anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and clinical skill. For decades, this depth of knowledge has defined medical excellence. But healthcare in the 21st century is no longer a closed clinical ecosystem; it is shaped by artificial
Flood hazard assessments for Uttarakhand have routinely underestimated the danger to its towns and villages because they have leaned on long-term average rainfall figures rather than the extreme downpours that actually trigger disasters, according to a study in Current Science
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing () and Corp., on Friday, announced plans to establish a joint venture in Kumamoto, Japan, to develop and produce next-generation image sensors.According to a report by Focus Taiwan, the two companies signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday took oath as the chief minister of West Bengal. He became the first BJP leader to hold the post. Adhikari was sworn-in five days after the BJP defeated the Trinamool Congress in the Assembly elections
Delivering for your nation at a World Cup brings heightened pressure, and doing so at a home tournament takes the expectation up to a whole new level. Red Roses prop Maud Muir did just that last September, winning a home Rugby World Cup with England in front of a record women's rugby crowd of 81
The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday conducted searches at five locations in Delhi, Gurugram and Chandigarh linked to Punjab Cabinet minister Sanjeev Arora and his company on suspicion of alleged money laundering, The Hindu reported. The searches were conducted at the office premises of Hampton
From leopard faeces to dogs disguised as big cats, Sri Lankans look to deter crop-raiding monkeys
As Sri Lanka grapples with severe agricultural losses caused by wildlife species ranging from primates to peafowl, in March, the government launched a nationwide, five-minute rapid visual census or a RVC, inviting citizens – farmers, students and officials in particular – to count monkeys, giant squirrels and peafowl simultaneously across the island.
The count was described as the first attempt at a large-scale citizen-science effort in Sri Lanka to identify the extent of crop damage caused by wildlife.
The results disclosed by the Ministry of Agriculture's research arm, the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, were striking, as it listed 6.5 million monkeys (more than 5.1 million of toque macaques, Macaca sinica, and 1.4 million tufted grey langurs, Semnopithecus priam), 2.7 million giant squirrels (Ratufa macroura) and 4.7 million Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus).
With a national human population of 23 million, the figures suggest almost one monkey for every 3.5 people; a ratio that many conservationists called ecologically implausible.
In response, the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society, a premier conservation nonprofit, noted that the short time frame, reliance on volunteers and open reporting format left the survey prone to serious errors, including double-counting, misidentification and exaggeration.
Wildlife ecologist Rajnish Vandercone of the University of Peradeniya warned against publicising such unverified figures without scientific scrutiny as irresponsible action, especially given that some Sri Lankan primates are endangered under IUCN listings.
Government officials defended the exercise as a preliminary step to raise awareness and map hotspots of crop conflict.
Agriculture Minister KD Lalkantha told Mongabay that while the numbers may not be scientifically rigorous, the census provides a starting point for assessing the scale of damage caused not only by monkeys but also by peafowl and giant squirrels. The economic stakes are high, he added.
An unpublished 2022 HARTI report estimated agricultural losses of about 144,989 metric tons of produce and 93 million coconuts, equivalent to 30.2 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($100.5 million at the time) in damages.
Coconut farmers in particular report devastating losses, with annual reductions amounting to nearly 20% of total production. Some farmers have even abandoned cultivation, sparking concerns about a looming food crisis, according to the minister, who insisted Sri Lanka needs an urgent solution.
While culling is largely off the table due to cultural and religious values, a variety of unconventional solutions have been floated, ranging from sterilisation to relocation. Previous governments have even proposed exporting monkeys to China, though such plans were abandoned amid environmental backlash.
As Sri Lanka stays buried deep in this monkey business, predator-based deterrents, too, have been suggested as odd but possible solutions to the problem.
Ashoka Dangolla and Isuru Hewakottage of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, have tested several experimental methods, which were also published in 2021. These included disguising dogs as leopards, having people dress as large langurs and applying leopard feces to fruit trees.
The most effective method turned out to be the langur disguises, which triggered flight responses in monkeys across most trial sites. Leopard feces also worked, repelling monkeys for up to two weeks before rains diminished the effect, they said.
According to Dangolla, the results showed the potential for developing natural scent-based repellents, though long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. Monkeys are quick learners, he cautioned, and deterrents would need to be rotated with other approaches.
The idea of predator-scent deterrents is not new. Similar methods have been trialed internationally, with coyote urine used in the United States to keep small mammals away from farms, and predator odors tested in Europe as nonlethal deterrents.
In Sri Lanka, primatologist and behavioral ecologist Wolfgang Dittus, who had been studying toque macaques since the 1970s, noted in his 2012 article published on the journal Loris that leopard scent might be a promising option, at least technically.
Commenting on the Peradeniya experiments, Dittus described them as a useful first step, though too limited in sample size to draw firm conclusions. He urged statistically rigorous trials should be conducted even though practical difficulties may be high.
The chemistry behind predator scents adds further complexity. Chemist Piyal Ariyananda, who carries extensive experience in his field, explained that real urine is composed mostly of water, along with urea, ammonia, creatinine, pheromones and sulfur compounds that cumulatively create the unique odor that makes artificial replication difficult. While some commercial products do exist, Ariyananda argued they tend to be less effective than authentic predator scents, and research on synthetic pheromones is still ongoing.
Peter Murray, associate professor of wildlife management at the University of Southern Queensland, supported the idea that predator odors work better than general noxious smells, since prey animals can be genetically “hard-wired” to avoid them even without prior exposure.
However, Murray noted that for predator-based repellents to be viable at scale, chemical stability, delivery systems and longevity in field conditions all need to be resolved.
Sri Lanka's implementation of the RVC demonstrates the challenges involved in managing human-wildlife conflict and in balancing scientific, cultural and economic considerations. While the citizen-science census has generated awareness, experts cautioned that without robust scientific methods, the numbers risk misleading policy and conservation priorities.
At the same time, early research into deterrent methods, whether through predator scents, disguises or other creative techniques, shows promise but requires systematic follow-up.
As the country deals with increasing agricultural losses and potential food security threats, Sri Lanka may need to combine long-term ecological solutions with practical short-term measures to reduce the conflict.
The real challenge before the island is how to convert preliminary ideas into effective, scientifically sound strategies that safeguard both farmers' livelihoods and the country's threatened wildlife, Ariyananda told Mongabay.
This article was first published on Mongabay.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: At least 56 dead as severe floods hit Sri Lanka How agricultural engineering is key to making Indian farming future-ready India-US deal to include ‘zero’ tariffs on ‘vast’ agricultural goods Prices Of Imported Agricultural Goods Rise Amid Strong US Dollar in S EU grapples with how to navigate Trump\\'s demands on Russian oil EU grapples with how to navigate Trump\\'s demands on Russian oil Pakistan's Punjab announces fuel curbs as country grapples with impact of West Asia crisis China excludes EVs in latest five-year plan as industry grapples with oversupply Sri Lanka to treat rescued Iranian sailors under Fakhar Zaman Returns As Pakistan Name Squads For Sri Lanka Tour
IIT Kharagpur students make mango pickle using storm-fallen raw mangoes, internet says ‘sarv gun sampann’An IIT Kharagpur student showed how fallen raw mangoes were turned into pickle inside a hostel. Published on: May 09, 2026 4:19 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A student
1 days ago
A now-viral post on Reddit has triggered a debate on why more men seemingly want marriage and children, while more women are increasingly choosing to remain childfree. The post, originally shared on the Reddit community r/childfree, quickly spread across social media platforms and drew thousands of
1 days ago
University of Surrey GREAT Scholarships India Offered by the University of Surrey, the U.K., in partnership with the British Council under the GREAT Britain Campaign. Eligibility: Indian citizens with a valid passport who have an unconditional offer to pursue a full-time postgraduate course from
1 days ago
Who is Suzy Lamb? Joni Lamb's daughter-in-law opens up about anger, loss after her death: 'I really hate...'Joni Lamb's passing brings attention to her family, particularly son Jonathan and wife Suzy, who have a complex relationship with Daystar TV. Updated on: May 09
1 days ago
The sky’s blue is due to Rayleigh scattering — when molecules in the air scatter light of shorter wavelength (bluer) much more efficiently than that of longer ones. On hotter days, however, there can be other things in the air and which can affect how light is scattered
1 days ago
A cyber attack hit several universities and schools in the US, Canada and Australia, causing chaos, confusion and major disruptions amid the high stakes end-of-year season. The hacking group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the attack
1 days ago
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nisith Pramanik on Saturday took oath as a cabinet minister in the new West Bengal government to be helmed by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, days after the saffron party stormed to power in the state. Pramanik
1 days ago
Hantavirus infections have come under renewed global scrutiny following a recent outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which was travelling across the southern Atlantic with multiple port stops. As of Friday, Health authorities have reported confirmed and suspected cases among
1 days ago
Vladimir Putin has used his annual Victory Day speech in Moscow's Red Square to justify his war in Ukraine and denounce Nato. Speaking in front of hundreds of military personnel and flanked by a few world leaders, the Russian president said he was fighting a "just" war and called Ukraine an
1 days ago
The U.S. announced Project Freedom on May 4 to end the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. It was suspended the next day even as merchant ships and U.S. Navy craft came under attack. Though U.S. President Donald Trump cited progress in negotiations with Iran as the reason for calling off the
1 days ago
The United States said on Friday (May 9, 2026) it was organising an evacuation flight for Americans on a hantavirus-struck cruise ship that has sailed to the Canary Islands, which are part of Spain. “The Department of State is arranging a repatriation flight to support the safe return of American
1 days ago
Samsung launches fifth edition of Solve for Tomorrow, raises winning grants to ₹2 croreLaunching Solve for Tomorrow 2026, Samsung increases grants to ₹2 crore for youth innovation in tech solutions. Updated on: May 09, 2026 12:59 PM IST By Aditi Anand Share via Copy link Samsung has launched
1 days ago
Indian Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta has approached the Sports Ministry seeking intervention over alleged non-payment of prize money from the organisers of the Odisha Open 2026. Gupta says he was assured the winnings would be released within a month of his victory in January this year
1 days ago
Indian cricketers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shafali Verma have received notices from the National Anti-Doping Agency. This follows their failure to be available for scheduled dope tests last year. Both players are part of NADA's Registered Testing Pool
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.These stunning kurta pant sets are now up to 80% off: Picksfrom top brands for womenAmazon Great Summer Sale 2026 brings up to 80% off on stylish kurta pant sets
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using a single-door fridge? These side-by-side refrigerators may fix summer storage problemsRunning out of fridge space this summer? These side-by-side refrigerators offer
1 days ago
Thalapathy Vijay’s bodyguard, Aroon Suresh, recently took to the stories section of his Instagram handle and penned down a positive cryptic note. Though Suresh did not mention TVK Chief’s name, he shared a message that read, “Beautiful outcomes come after hard battles
1 days ago
Frontier Airlines flight hits pedestrian on runway, leads to engine fire: What we knowThe Frontier Airlines flight, an Airbus A321, was carrying 224 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the incident. Updated on: May 09, 2026 4:59 PM IST Written by Majid Alam Share via Copy link A flight
1 days ago
For the longest time, global gourmet culture carried a certain predictability. Luxury was associated with imported cheeses, European techniques, exotic berries flown across continents, and ingredients that sounded sophisticated simply because they were foreign. Meanwhile, some of the most layered
1 days ago
National Commission for Women Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Friday said that the panel will recommend to the Union government a complete ban on parole for those convicted in cases of rape, aggravated sexual assault and other serious offences against women and children, PTI reported
1 days ago
Newly sworn-in West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held a crucial meeting with top officials. He reviewed the state's law and order situation. Discussions also covered the smooth continuation of schemes from the previous government. Progress on Writers' Buildings renovation was also a key
1 days ago
After almost eight months away from competition, Neeraj Chopra is finally inching closer to a return — but not before completely rebuilding his body first. The 28-year-old from Panipat hasn’t competed since finishing eighth at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last September
1 days ago
NPF farmers' wing to undertake statewide inquiry tour across NagalandNPF farmers' wing to undertake statewide inquiry tour across Nagaland Published on: May 09, 2026 5:30 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kohima, The ruling Naga People's Front's farmers' wing on Saturday announced a statewide tour to
1 days ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Need a fitness smartwatch without overspending? Best picks under ₹5000 you should considerFrom AMOLED displays to Bluetooth calling and fitness tracking, these smartwatches under ₹5
1 days ago
A now-viral post alleging misconduct by an Uber parcel delivery driver has sparked outrage online, with several users raising concerns about the safety and reliability of app-based parcel services in India. The post shared on X by user Yusuf DFI claimed that one of his staff members had booked an
1 days ago
Indian man in Singapore warns of ‘comfort trap’ after 7 years abroad: ‘Don’t let your lifestyle become your cage’An Indian man in Singapore said expats stayed longer abroad after getting addicted to comfort and efficiency. Published on: May 09
1 days ago
Have you ever noticed how sometimes a simple look or a shared smile with your partner can make you feel instantly closer? It’s easy to think that intimacy is all about what happens in the moment, but in reality, it’s often shaped by the small, everyday choices we make. The way we move, eat
1 days ago
