Rohit Sharma’s off-side masterclass, complemented by Ryan Rickelton’s on-side dominance, helped the Mumbai Indians end a 14-year wait and begin their Indian Premier League campaign with a commanding six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (March 29
Foreign investors are pulling money out of Indian equities at an unprecedented pace, as a global risk-off sentiment and rising energy costs cloud the country’s growth outlook, according to a report by Bloomberg. Overseas investors have sold a net $11
Microsoft is taking over a data centre construction project in Texas after OpenAI declined to pursue it, in a move that will make the two companies neighbours at one of the nation’s largest complexes for running artificial intelligence. Data centre developer Crusoe said Friday it is working with
Global oil prices jumped and stocks fell sharply on Monday morning in Asia after the US-Israel war entered its fifth week. The price of Brent crude rose by more than 3% to above $115 (£86.77) a barrel, while US-traded oil climbed to $103 after gaining around 3.5%
Shaheen Afridi’s awkward reply to Ramiz Raja after PSL ball controversy goes viral. Watch what happened in the final over drama. A viral post-match video from Pakistan Super League 2026 has put Shaheen Afridi under intense scrutiny after a ball-tampering controversy cost Lahore Qalandars a
Sensex opened at 72,565, down over 1,000 points or 1.38 per cent, while Nifty started Monday’s session at 22,549, slipping 267 points or around 1 per cent. Mumbai: Domestic benchmark indices opened sharply lower on Monday, declining over 1 per cent each amid escalating tensions in West Asia
Police arrested Muhammad Roshan in Perinthalmanna for attempting to extort Rs 15 crore. Roshan allegedly threatened to circulate defamatory images of IUML state president Sayyid Sadikkali Shihab Thangal online. He also issued death threats if the matter was reported
According to Satheesan, the UDF should be able to win 100 plus seats. When the Congress wins this election in Kerala, the party will emerge as the largest political force in South India, he says. Five-time Congress MLA is a prominent United Democratic Front (UDF) face in Kerala
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 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 prez Dissanayake thanks PM Modi for India's 38000 MT fuel aid Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Sri Lanka to treat rescued Iranian sailors under
Golf legend Tiger Woods has been released on bail following his arrest on charges of driving under the influence after rolling his car in a crash in Florida. The Martin County Sheriff's Office said the 15-time major champion was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful
6 hours ago
Sugar-free products that contain sugar. ‘Real’ fruit juices made of artificial ingredients. Energy drinks with hazardous compositions. Unproven remedies claiming to control diabetes. Health drinks for children loaded with excess sugar. These products have one thing in common: their
6 hours ago
The move specifically supports 21 states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, focusing on areas that had previously become "kerosene-free". New Delhi: The government on Sunday eased the petroleum safety and licensing rules to allow faster distribution of
6 hours ago
Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend Mahieka Sharma protects his son from paparazzi at Wankhede Stadium: 'Disturb ho raha hai’Hardik Pandya’s girlfriend Mahieka Sharma was spotted in the stands of Wankhede Stadium, cheering him, accompanied by his young son, Agastya. Mar 30, 2026
6 hours ago
The stock market continued its slide on Monday amid concerns surrounding the conflict in West Asia and surging energy prices. The benchmark Sensex index had fallen by more than 500 points or 0.7% as of 9.30 am. The Nifty had sunk 0.6%, or by nearly 150 points
6 hours ago
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) declared the Class 10 results 2026 on March 29. The results were announced by Education Minister Sunil Kumar in the presence of BSEB Chairman Anand Kishor. Students who appeared in the examination can now check the results by visiting — result
6 hours ago
An Indian citizen was killed in an Iranian missile attack on an electricity power station and a water distillation plant in Kuwait, the country’s government said on Monday. With this incident on Sunday, eight Indians have been killed in the conflict in West Asia so far
6 hours ago
Zayed Khan has revealed that his mother Zarine Khan wanted her ashes immersed in a river. The revelation comes months after her funeral sparked conversation due to Hindu rituals being followed despite her mixed religious background. Speaking in a recent interview with Zoom
6 hours ago
Sensex, Nifty open lower, on course for biggest monthly loss in six yearsThe Sensex and Nifty 50 have lost about 10.5% each in March 2026—the most since March 2020—amid a sliding rupee and record FII outflows due to Iran war. Updated on: Mar 30
6 hours ago
In a darkened control room in Navi Mumbai, 100 operators oversee bots monitoring 30,000 ATMs across India. Their cameras, sensors and bots do the work that 60,000 security guards once did. That control room is a small window into something much larger.In a darkened control room in Navi Mumbai
6 hours ago
The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) will declare the Class 9 and 11 results 2026 today, March 30. Students can check and download their stream-wise exam scores from the official website, edudel.nic.in. To access the results, candidates must enter their student ID number, class, section
6 hours ago
Rahul Arunoday Banerjee and Priyanka Sarkar’s love story: From divorce to reuniting for 13-year-old son SajjadBengali actor Rahul Arunoday Banerjee dies at 43 in drowning incident at Talsari Beach, leaving behind wife Priyanka Sarkar and son Sahaj. Mar 30, 2026
6 hours ago
As kitchens across India adapt to challenges like LPG shortages and increasingly busy lifestyles, many households are turning to smarter, low-effort ways of eating. But this shift highlights an important idea, having a well-stocked kitchen can be just as important as having a well-equipped one
6 hours ago
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has declared the final result of the Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) 2024. This year’s results once again saw girls outperform boys. The top two ranks have been secured by females
6 hours ago
Techie quits job after manager shouts and uses rude language: ‘Told me to get out of this project’After a colleague’s mistake, the manager reportedly shouted, used abusive language, and told the techie to leave the project. Published on: Mar 30
6 hours ago
Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman faces ball-tampering charges. The incident occurred during a Pakistan Super League match against Karachi Kings. Officials awarded five penalty runs to Karachi. Fakhar denied the charge. A disciplinary hearing is scheduled
6 hours ago
Mukesh Ambani spotted on phone during MI vs KKR IPL match, internet says ‘Running the economy’Billionaire Mukesh Ambani was spotted talking on the phone in the middle of the Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL match last night. Updated on: Mar 30
6 hours ago
RBSE 12th Result 2026 Live Updates:- The Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan (BSER) will release the RBSE 12th Result 2026 soon. Candidates can check and download their provisional scorecards at the official website rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in and result portal at rajresults.nic.in
6 hours ago
Did you know low-sugar diet can age you faster even after taking collagen? Nutritionist explainsCollagen helps maintain skin health, but it cannot be utilised if the body is running low on energy, which is primarily produced from glucose, explains Athena. Updated on: Mar 30
6 hours ago
Lahore Qalandars penalised 5 runs in PSL 2026. Here’s what happened, why Fakhar Zaman is charged, and what comes next. The Pakistan Super League has a big problem now. Lahore Qalandars got a five-run penalty for changing the ball on purpose against Karachi Kings
6 hours ago
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that a Uniform Civil Code would be introduced in Assam if the Bharatiya Janata Party retains power in the state in the Assembly elections, The Hindu reported. Speaking at a poll rally in Nalbari district
6 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Which 2-ton AC should you buy for lower electricity bills? Here are some top options to considerPlanning to buy a 2-ton AC this summer? Here’s a quick look at which models use less
6 hours ago
The last rites of former Raymond Group chairman Vijaypat Singhania were performed in Mumbai on Sunday (March 29, 2026). He passed away on Saturday (March 28, 2026) at the age of 87. Mr. Singhania headed the Raymond Group for two decades. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, he was also an adventurer
6 hours ago
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has strongly criticized the DMK's Rs 8,000 coupon promise for women. He alleges the scheme is designed to earn commissions and that people will be fooled again. Palaniswami accused the DMK government of corruption and prioritizing looting over public
6 hours ago
With several people contributing money, precious metals to help residents in Iran amid war West Asia conflict. A child in Ladakh broke her 'gullak' to contribute. Iran relief drive: Residents of Leh have been stepping forward with donations ranging from cash and jewellery to other valuables
6 hours ago
Four-time Grand Slam champion Jannik Sinner on Sunday, March 29, created history to become the first player, male or female, to win the Sunshine Double without dropping a single set, after he thrashed Jiri Lehecka in straight sets in the final of the Miami Open
6 hours ago
International crude oil prices climbed more than 3% on Monday as tensions in West Asia escalated, with Yemen’s Houthi militants opening a new front through missile and drone strikes on Israel. At around 6:30 am, the May contract of Brent crude on the Intercontinental Exchange was trading at $115
6 hours ago
