Macaque’s (Macaca Radiata) Infestation and its Low-Cost Nonlethal Management on Cardamom in the Cardamom Hill Reserves, Kerala

The season of occurrence and nature of damage to cardamom plants by monkeys (Macaca radiata) in the Cardamom Hill Reserves (CHR), Kerala, India, were studied. Various repelling and scaring techniques were tested for the management of monkeys in cardamom plantations. Out of the nine non-lethal techniques evaluated, the percentage of incidence and intensity of attack was lower in cardamom plants applied with BoRep, followed by the hanging of rubber snakes, placing sawdust with kerosene, glitter paper fencing, application of red chilli extract, and Neem Seed Kernel Extract. The olfactory repellent, BoRep, is reported for the first time as a repellent for M. radiata and primates. Because of the primates’ high level of intelligence, it is always better to use a multiple effective strategies rather than sticking to one strategy. Screening of such nonlethal techniques and their improved modes of application can pave the ways for nonchemical management for a sustainable future.