Characterizing human-macaque interactions in Singapore.

Area of Science:

• Primatology
• Human-Wildlife Interactions
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Substantial human-macaque physical contact documented in Bali, Gibraltar, and Mt. Emei.
• Singapore has implemented penalties and education to minimize human-macaque contact.
• Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) are common in Singapore.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize interaction patterns between humans and long-tailed macaques in Singapore.
• To assess the frequency of physical contact and potential for pathogen transmission.
• To compare Singapore's interaction patterns with other high-interaction sites.

Main Methods:

• 92.5 hours of observation across two sites in Singapore over 16 days.
• Recorded 730 human-macaque interactions, noting characteristics, demographics, and behaviors.
• Documented human feeding, presence of automobiles, and physical contact events.

Main Results:

• Physical contact between humans and macaques was rare in Singapore.
• Human feeding of macaques was infrequent, often by individuals in cars or with children.
• Interaction patterns in Singapore contrast significantly with Bali, Gibraltar, and Mt. Emei.

Conclusions:

• Singapore's management strategies appear effective in reducing physical human-macaque contact.
• The low incidence of physical contact suggests a minimal risk of macaque-to-human pathogen transmission.
• Findings provide a baseline for understanding human-primate interfaces in urbanized environments.