TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislators discussed a draft amendment to the Animal Protection Act (動物保護法) on Wednesday (Dec. 3) addressing escalating Formosan rock macaque (台灣獼猴) disruptions. Legislators from both major parties expressed grave concerns over the potential for these macaques to infiltrate urban areas and damage crops across Taiwan. The discussions mark a critical response to mounting complaints from farmers and urban residents experiencing increased macaque encounters.
Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), the main opposition party, Legislator Cheng Cheng-chien (鄭正鈐) questioned Deputy Agriculture Minister Tu Wen-chen (杜文珍) about the government's plan, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), the ruling party, Legislator Tsai Yi-yu (蔡易餘) suggested the government consider permitting hunters to manage macaque populations in densely affected regions. The bipartisan concern underscores the severity of the macaque problem facing Taiwan.
Forestry Bureau Director General Lin Hwa-ching (林華慶) noted that macaques are no longer a protected species, thus allowing farmers to capture and handle them independently. Residents in areas like Xindian District (新店) have reported an increasing frequency of home invasions by macaques disrupting daily life. Celebrity Phoebe Yuan (袁艾菲) witnessed macaques invading her mountain home, highlighting the growing concern among citizens and lawmakers across Taiwan.
Farmers in the central region face significant crop damage due to macaque interference, adding to their already substantial burden from agricultural challenges. Balancing wildlife conservation with protecting people's lives and property has become a focal point for the government's policy decisions. The Agriculture Ministry promised a three-month action plan, marking a crucial step in tackling the escalating macaque issue across Taiwan. ◼