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202408/27
With the frequent occurrence of agricultural damage caused by the Formosan rock macaque (Macaca cyclopsis) population in recent years, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FANCA), after launching a number of locally-adapted control measures in recent years, is going one step further by organizing the “Creative Proposals for Prevention and Control of Agricultural Damages Caused by Formosan Rock Macaques” campaign, in the hopes of attracting the public’s wisdom and creativity. Anyone who proposes an effective prevention and control method that does not jeopardize the lives of the macaques will be awarded a prize of up to NT$50,000 after passing the selection review. Such methods can involve the application of mechanical, physical, chemical, electronic, or other innovative technologies. All members of the public are welcome to submit their ideas.
According to the long-term wildlife monitoring results of the FANCA, the relative abundance of Formosan rock macaque in Taiwan has been on the rise in recent years in the mid- to low-elevation areas, and it is not uncommon to hear of macaques invading farms and damaging crops, especially in the foothills. To help farmers minimize their losses, the FANCA has in recent years continued to educate farmers on various ways to prevent and control macaque invasions, such as installing electric fences, sound repellers, monkey-proof nets, setting off firecrackers, keeping guard dogs, and using animal repellent guns. The FANCA has also allocated funds to subsidize the installation of electric fences and monkey-proof nets, and these efforts have shown significant results. However, these control measures may not be suitable for bamboo forests or farmland with large areas of cultivation or farms near forests. Furthermore, since macaques are quick learners, it is necessary to change the control methods frequently to achieve good results.
To develop more diversified and effective prevention and control measures to minimize the damage caused by macaques to agricultural production, the FANCA is launching the “Creative Proposals for Prevention and Control of Agricultural Damages Caused by Formosan Rock Macaques” campaign. According to the FANCA, from now until October 30, 2024, creative design proposals are being sought to prevent macaques from damaging agricultural production. These methods must prevent macaques from entering farmland or drive away macaques to avoid damage to farmland without harming the lives of the macaques, and must be both realistic and financially feasible. The content is limited to 3,000 words or less. Extra marks will be given to those with design illustrations, photos showing the implementation, or actual application results.
After the closing date, the FANCA will invite experts to evaluate the content, completeness, and feasibility of the proposals and select the top ten entries by December 30, 2024, with a prize money of up to NT$50,000 for the selected entries. For the campaign brochure and related information, please go to the official website of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency - Media Downloads/Download Application Forms.