Long-tailed macaques are globally endangered, so we try to do our part to protect them whilst they are still a healthy population in Brunei. Having attended a briefing from Jane Goodall Institute of Singapore, their recommendation to a safe co-existence with monkeys are as follows:
- Bin cages or temporarily have a makeshift bungee rope around the lid to deter monkeys from having access to the bins. They will eventually exclude the patio bar/pool etc as part of their route due to the lack of food source.
- Where there are females and baby monkeys around, stay 1-2M away from them and make light clapping noises to make sure they are constantly aware of your presence. Loud noises usually startles them which will alter their behaviour towards you.
- Avoid eye contact or interacting with monkeys such as taking selfies, imitating their facial expressions and/or smiling at them. It causes them to alter their behaviour towards humans and resulting in ‘horror’ stories.
- Keep all your belongings in closed bags and close to you. Avoid using plastic bags if you can. If they do take any of your personal items, don’t bother chasing because they will drop the items (unless it is food).
- Never ever feed monkeys (refer to Point 1).
- Use your height to your advantage. Due to their social hierarchy status, the monkeys will usually move away from you if you follow the above steps correctly. If a monkey is on the roof or high up above your head, there is a very low percentage (almost zero) that they will jump on you because their ‘status’ is higher than you. Refer to point 2 and 3.