Primatological researchers concerned with the increasing population of monkeys at a natural zoological park in Oita Prefecture are continuing with experimental procedures to curb their numbers, despite controversy over the propriety of such operations.
Last month, the Kyoto University Primatological Research Institute, based in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, implanted contraceptive devices into 15 female monkeys at the Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Park in Oita Prefecture. Some argue that such surgery is necessary to prevent wild monkeys, which have been rapidly increasing in number, from causing damage to crops. Others doubt the wisdom of artificially limiting their propagation.
About 1,700 wild monkeys live in the park and have reportedly been causing damage to fruit and crops around it. Experts estimate the park can adequately accommodate between 1,200 and 1,300 monkeys.