BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 23RD 2009 (CUOPM) - Government has acquired the services of a Cuban expert to manage the growing threat of roving troupes of monkeys to the crops of farmers.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Hermia Morton Anthony said Cuban-born primate expert, Dr. Santos Orlando Cubillas Hernandez has arrived in St. Kitts and will conduct a survey of the monkey populations.
“He will determine the population of Green Monkeys on St. Kitts, determine the distribution of Green Monkeys on St. Kitts, determine demographics – gender and age, and develop a plan for reducing/managing the monkey population,” said Morton-Anthony.
Dr. Cubillas, who holds a masters degree in animal science and has vast experience in primate population studies, is also expected to produce GIS maps showing distribution of monkeys on St. Kitts, management plans for reducing population and maintaining reduced population, facilitate meetings with staff, farmers and other interest groups to discuss findings, provide progress reports every three months and provide a detailed end of Mission report and a list of recommendation.
Mrs. Morton-Anthony said the implementation of the recommendations should lead to a significant reaction in crop damage and encroachment into residential areas.
Prior to his arrival meetings were held with representatives from research institutions, trappers, farmers and the Ministry.
The monkey population is said to be bigger than the human population.
