Seasonal electrocution fatalities in free‐range rhesus macaques (<i>Macaca mulatta</i>) of Shivalik hills area in northern India

Kumar, Vijay; Kumar, Vipin

doi:10.1111/jmp.12168

Cited by 18 publications

(12 citation statements)

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“…This suggests variations in seasonal risk do not usually need to be factored into prioritization of areas for mitigation interventions in Diani. In contrast to our results, higher risk of electrocution is typically associated with wet seasons, as shown for raptors (Olendorff et al 1981 ), Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus : Palei et al 2014 ), and rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta : Kumar and Kumar 2015 ). A proposed explanation for elevated risk during the dry season in Diani is increased vegetation growth toward the start of the long dry season, resulting in increased contact between trees and power lines (Slade 2016 ).…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

“…As cables are rarely insulated, this behavior poses a high risk of electrocution (lethal) or electric shock injury (not immediately lethal) (Dwyer 2006 ) when individuals simultaneously grasp two conductors, or a conductor and an earthed device (Bevanger 1998 ). Similarly, injury can result from wet vegetation contacting energized components, creating short circuits from power lines to the ground (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ). Reported death rates after electric shock range from 31% to 36% (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ; Slade 2016 ), with individuals dying from the effects of electric current passing through the body (Schulze et al 2016 ), or from the subsequent impact of falling from a height (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, injury can result from wet vegetation contacting energized components, creating short circuits from power lines to the ground (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ). Reported death rates after electric shock range from 31% to 36% (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ; Slade 2016 ), with individuals dying from the effects of electric current passing through the body (Schulze et al 2016 ), or from the subsequent impact of falling from a height (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ). Survivors of electric shocks are frequently left with injuries to the hands, head, and chest, and may later die from secondary infection (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reported death rates after electric shock range from 31% to 36% (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ; Slade 2016 ), with individuals dying from the effects of electric current passing through the body (Schulze et al 2016 ), or from the subsequent impact of falling from a height (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ). Survivors of electric shocks are frequently left with injuries to the hands, head, and chest, and may later die from secondary infection (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ). In addition, these incidents cause power outages, equipment damage, and fires, which affect human communities (APLIC 2006 ; Dwyer et al 2014 ; Harness and Wilson 2001 ; Printes 1999 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Electrocutions are documented for a range of primate species across Asia (Kumar and Kumar 2015 ; Nekaris and Jayewardene 2004 ; Roscoe et al 2013 ), Africa (Maibeche et al 2015 ; Slade 2016 ), and Latin America (Goulart et al 2010 ; Printes 1999 ; Rodrigues and Martinez 2014 ). They are a principal mortality factor for the Endangered Central American squirrel monkey subspecies Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus and Saimiri oerstedii oerstedii (Boinski et al 1998 ), and were found to be the most common cause of death for a population of Hanuman langurs ( Semnopithecus entellus ) (Ram et al 2015 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spatial Patterns of Primate Electrocutions in Diani, Kenya

et al. 2018

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Electrocution from power infrastructure threatens many primate species, yet knowledge of effective evidence-based mitigation strategies is limited. Mitigation planning requires an understanding of the spatial distribution of electrocutions to prioritize high-risk areas. In Diani, a coastal Kenyan town, electrocution is an important cause of death for five primate species. In this study we aim to describe the spatial patterns of electrocutions and electric shock incidents (collectively referred to as electrocutions hereafter) and identify electrocution hotspots to guide an effective primate conservation approach in Diani. Colobus Conservation, a not-for-profit organization, has recorded electrocutions and annual primate census data since 1998. We georeferenced 329 electrocution data points and analyzed them using QGIS. We identified and compared hotspots across species, seasons, and time using kernel density estimation and Getis-Ord-Gi*. We employed spatial regression models to test whether primate population density and power line density predicted the location of electrocution hotspots. Electrocutions occurred in hotspots that showed little variation in location between species and seasons. The limited variation in hotspot location over time likely occurred as a result of new building development in Diani and variability in primate detection rates by community members. Primate density and power line density were significant predictors of electrocution density for Angolan black-and-white colobus (Colobus angolensis palliatus) and Sykes monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis albogularis), but the relationship was weak, suggesting the presence of additional risk factors. This study provides a framework for systematic spatial prioritization of power lines that can be used to reduce primate electrocutions in Diani, and can be adopted in other areas of the world where primates are at risk from electrocution.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s10764-018-0046-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Spatial Patterns of Primate Electrocutions in Diani, Kenya

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Cars kill chimpanzees: case report of a wild chimpanzee killed on a road at Bulindi, Uganda

McLennan

Asiimwe²

2016

Primates

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Roads have broadly adverse impacts on wildlife, including nonhuman primates. One direct effect is mortality from collisions with vehicles. While highly undesirable, roadkills provide valuable information on the health and condition of endangered species. We present a case report of a wild chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) killed crossing a road in Bulindi, Uganda, where chimpanzees inhabit forest fragments amid farmland. Details of the collision are constructed from eyewitness accounts of pedestrians. Physical examination of the cadaver indicated good overall body condition; at 40 kg, the deceased female was heavier than usual for an adult female East African chimpanzee. No external wounds or fractures were noted. Coprological assessment demonstrated infection by several gastrointestinal parasites commonly reported in living wild chimpanzees. Histopathology revealed eosinophilic enteritis and biliary hyperplasia potentially caused by parasite infection. However, eosinophilia was not widely spread into the submucosa, while egg/cyst counts suggested low-intensity parasite infections compared to healthy female chimpanzees of similar age in nearby Budongo Forest. No behavioral indicators of ill health were noted in the deceased female in the month prior to the accident. We conclude that cause of death was acute, i.e., shock from the collision, and was probably unrelated to parasite infection or any other underlying health condition. Notably, this female had asymmetrical polythelia, and, while nursing at the time of her death, had one functioning mammary gland only. In Uganda, where primates often inhabit human-dominated landscapes, human population growth and economic development has given rise to increasing motor traffic, while road development is enabling motorists to travel at greater speeds. Thus, the danger of roads to apes and other wildlife is rising, necessitating urgent strategies to reduce risks. Installation of simple speed-bumps-common on Ugandan roads-would be effective in reducing risks to wildlife, and would also make roads safer for human pedestrians.

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Electrocutions in free-living black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) in anthropogenic environments in the Federal District and surrounding areas, Brazil

et al. 2019

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Seasonal electrocution fatalities in free‐range rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) of Shivalik hills area in northern India

Abstract: High-voltage current is the most common factor for fatal injuries. Strategies to avoid such electrocutions include burying all lines and transformers, shielding and insulating all high-tension lines, installing bridges that monkeys, and other arboreal species can use to move around.

Cited by 18 publications

References 22 publications

Spatial Patterns of Primate Electrocutions in Diani, Kenya

Spatial Patterns of Primate Electrocutions in Diani, Kenya

Cars kill chimpanzees: case report of a wild chimpanzee killed on a road at Bulindi, Uganda

Electrocutions in free-living black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) in anthropogenic environments in the Federal District and surrounding areas, Brazil

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