Love or conflict: A qualitative study of the human-long tailed macaque interface in Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand
2
Issued Date
2023-04-01
Resource Type
ISSN
0001706X
eISSN
18736254
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85148366667
Pubmed ID
36781095
Journal Title
Acta Tropica
Volume
240
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Acta Tropica Vol.240 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Suwannarong K., Soonthornworasiri N., Maneekan P., Balthip K., Yimsamran S., Maneewatchararangsri S., Ponlap T., Saengkul C., Lantican C., Thammasutti K., Singhasivanon P. Love or conflict: A qualitative study of the human-long tailed macaque interface in Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand. Acta Tropica Vol.240 (2023). doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106861 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/81414
Title
Love or conflict: A qualitative study of the human-long tailed macaque interface in Nakhon Sawan Province, Thailand
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
A wide range of zoonotic pathogens can be transmitted during human-wildlife interactions. Few qualitative studies have been conducted on human-nonhuman primate interfaces in Thailand, notably direct and indirect contact. Since Long-tailed macaques (LTMs) are prevalent in Thailand's Banphot Phisai district, part of Nakhon Sawan province, this qualitative study was conducted in 2019 to determine in-depth contact characteristics between humans and LTMs in the communities. Key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 35 villagers who reported close contact with LTMs in this study location. The results showed that villagers had different levels of contact with LTMs, depending on their occupations, perceptions, beliefs, religions, previous experiences, and local regulations. Monks in temples and vendors selling food for LTMs were reported to have the closest contact with them. LTMs have been reported to destroy personal property, houses, buildings, and crops. However, the villagers do not hurt them due to their religious beliefs relating to a respected abbot (a man who headed an abbey of monks). Even community members have had extensive interaction with LTMs, but they lacked awareness and information regarding diseases transmitted to humans directly or indirectly by non-human primates. Therefore, individuals who have frequent and close contact with LTMs should be provided health education, and appropriate behavioral change communication interventions should be performed. Furthermore, the results could be used to develop future disease prevention strategies and public awareness campaigns in the area.