Agonistic Interactions between Humans and Two Species of Monkeys (Rhesus Monkey Macaca mulatta and Hanuman Langur Semnopithecus entellus) in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

The resolution of growing conflict between monkey and man requires quantitative data on the nature and context of man-monkey agonistic (aggressive-submissive) interactions particularly in the urban areas. The ethological approach was followed to study the effect of habitat, species, and season on agonistic interactions between humans and monkeys in the city of Shimla. Three way ANOVA revealed that the rhesus monkeys in the temple area interacted more agonistically with humans than the rhesus monkeys in the bazaar area, and from the Hanuman langurs in both the study areas. The habitat and season did not have significant effect on these interactions. Agonistic interactions between the monkeys and humans occurred mainly in context of space; food as a context for conflict had significance only in case of rhesus monkeys, but not for the Hanuman langurs. The intensity of agonistic interactions, in general, was low for both the species. The findings suggest that it is not the severity of attack by the rhesus monkeys, which is generally highlighted, but the overall dependence of this macaque on human resources is a matter of concern. Therefore, the strategies of conservation must be directed to minimize this dependence.