As many monkeys are fleeing the mountains to seek food on Cham Islands - a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - in the famous Hoi An ancient town and in the process harassing locals, authorities said they would resort to seeking help from foreign wildlife experts.

Chong Island, part of the Cham Islands - a world Biosphere Reserve, in central Quang Nam Province , Photo: Tuoi Tre

Yesterday the Cham Islands Forestry Protection Station reported to the central Quang Nam Province Forestry Protection Department about the disturbance and ‘loot’ by a large quantity of monkeys at several hamlets in Tan Hiep Commune, including Bai Huong and Bai Lang.

They came down to the hamlets from nearby mountains, then broke into houses and took away food and household utensils. There has never been such a situation in the area, the station said in its report. 

The Sub-department said it would send a working team to the Cham Isle to learn about the situation and will consider measures to prevent the harassment by monkeys.

The agency also said it would seek help from foreign experts in wildlife to tackle the problem.

The ongoing hot weather has withered many forest areas and dried streams in the mountains, leading to a dwindling supply of food for the monkeys. As a result, they have had to leave their normal habitat and flocked to residential areas to seek food and water, the agency said.

The Cham Islands comprise 8 small islands, which form part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park that is recognized by UNESCO as a world Biosphere Reserve.

Source: Tuoi Tre