Old Dhaka's monkeys now live scattered across different areas. Besides Bahadur Shah Park, they are seen at Ramna Park, Gandaria graveyard, Shankharibazar, on the roofs of various buildings and even around Jagannath University. Mainly because of the loss of trees and forest, food shortages and the lack of a permanent habitat, they have spread through the city and are forced to roam near people in search of food.

To tackle this, regular food could be supplied at fixed places and temporary shelters or settlements set up on a limited scale, so they get used to one area. Social forestry, planting fruit and native trees, and greening vacant government land including both banks of the Buriganga could create a new 'blue-green' ecosystem that would provide habitat for monkeys and other wildlife and keep the city's environment in balance.

Shrinking greenery and growing concrete also raise the city's temperature and the impact of heatwaves, so planned urban greening is the most effective long-term solution, says Dr Md Mohiuddin, associate professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at Jagannath University. He was interviewed by Jago News staff reporter Md Ashikuzzaman Ashik.

Jago News: Why have the monkeys spread through the city like this?

Mohiuddin: Mainly because forest and trees have dwindled, their natural habitat has been destroyed. Now they are spreading to different places in the city in search of food. The lack of trees, the destruction of forest land and the absence of a permanent habitat: these three reasons have pushed them into the city and forced them to live near people.

Jago News: Where in Old Dhaka are the monkeys seen most now?

Mohiuddin: Old Dhaka's monkeys now live scattered across various areas and shelters. Apart from Bahadur Shah Park, some are seen around Ramna Park. But most live in the Gandaria graveyard area, where some trees give them shelter. They are also seen on the roofs of various buildings, and even roam the roofs of Jagannath University, Shankharibazar and other densely populated areas.

Jago News: What can be done to solve their food and housing problems?

Mohiuddin: One effective measure could be regular feeding at fixed places. If food is given at a set spot every day, they will get used to it and gather in that area. Temporary shelters or small settlement-type spaces could also be built. That would keep them safe and reduce their random roaming in the city.

Jago News: Could urban greening or tree planting be an effective solution for them?

Mohiuddin: Yes, it could be a long-term solution. Social forestry, fruit trees and native species would give them both food and shelter. Planting trees along both banks of the Buriganga or on vacant government land in the city could create a new ecosystem. Not only monkeys but birds, squirrels and other animals would return, and the environment would be balanced.

Jago News: Is it normal for monkeys to roam freely in the city?

Mohiuddin: It is really the result of losing their natural habitat. They roam freely because they have to move from place to place in search of food. If food and shelter can be arranged in a particular area, they will start living there permanently and the random roaming will fall.

Jago News: What role do these monkeys play in the environment?

Mohiuddin: They are part of the environment and the ecosystem. They play a role in the food chain and the natural balance, and by forming links with various animals and insects they help maintain that balance. In the past, when Dhaka had water bodies and forest, these animals lived there naturally and enriched the environment.

Jago News: What happens to the environment when a city has no greenery?

Mohiuddin: When greenery shrinks, the city's temperature rises, the impact of heatwaves grows and concrete holds more heat. The urban environment becomes uncomfortable. Trees and water bodies, on the other hand, keep temperatures in check, maintain the balance of rainfall and create a healthier environment overall.

Jago News: What kind of long-term plan should be taken?

Mohiuddin: The city needs to be developed on the 'blue-green' idea, meaning water bodies (blue) and greenery (green) are conserved together. Restoring canals, ponds and wetlands and planting trees can create a natural balance. That would protect not just the monkeys but the whole city's biodiversity, and make the city more liveable.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.