Actually, it’s not just monkeys—Sri Lanka’s government is blaming a variety of animals including monkeys, peacocks, wild boar, lorises and even elephants.
The Agriculture Ministry told press that “The high price of fruit and vegetables is due to these pests,” the ministry said, adding that they hope to develop ways to deal with the animals raiding farms and home gardens. Official estimates suggest that about a third of all crops in Sri Lanka are eaten or destroyed by wild animals.
Thousands of local officials and volunteers will make the count on March 15th, with plans being made to avoid double counting.
The ministry is appealing for public support, and said “The census will help provide a sustainable solution to the problem of wild animals raiding and destroying crops.”
