Impact of tourism on distribution pattern of Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) in Galliyiat Abbottabad, Pakistan
Impact of tourism on distribution pattern of Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) in Galliyiat Abbottabad, Pakistan
Ehtisham1, Rizwan ur Rehman1, Raja Wajahat1, Tabarak Ashraf1, Shabir Ahmad Jan1, Arz Muhammad1 and Ahmad Zamir2*
ABSTRACT
Rhesus monkeys is one of the species of primates having the large geographic range extend from northern Africa to south and Southeast Asia, southern China and northeast to Japan. Their tendency to survive under diverse environmental conditions make their survival in numerous habitats. Association between primates and the tourism are commonly studied, but the differences occur among the goal of ecotourism and their damaging effects that has become a reason of concern these days. Present study was designed to assess effect of tourism on the distribution of rhesus monkey in Galiyat region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. To achieve these study goals surveys were conducted in various parts of Galiyat during June to September 2022. Data was collected both for population of monkeys by visual encounter method and interaction with tourists while interview responses were obtained by developing questionnaires. On the basis of encounter rates and population estimates, nine major interacting sites were identified in Galiyat region, viz. Nathia Gali, Morti, Khoza Gali, Kala Bagh, Charian, Changla Gali (Monkey View Point), Changla Gali (Kashmir View Point), Bara Gali and Ayubia. Population at each interacting spot was different, highest population existed at Nathia Gali interacting spot. The present research describes 113 groups of Macaca mulata with a total of 3685 macaques in different parts of Galiyat region. All over their distributional range in India, these monkeys reside in the vicinity of the human settlements and obtain their food from humans, either directly from humans or by damaging human agricultural resources and this has developed an unavoidable conflict and competition both for food resources and shelter.
Keywords: Rhesus monkey, Impact, tourism, Ayubia National Park.
Keywords: Rhesus monkey, Impact, tourism, Ayubia National Park.
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June 2021
Vol. 71, Iss. 2
