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Seasonal electrocution fatalities in free‐range rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ) of Shivalik hills area in northern India
Author(s) -
Kumar Vijay,
Kumar Vipin
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of medical primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1600-0684
pISSN - 0047-2565
DOI - 10.1111/jmp.12168
Subject(s) - electrocution , medicine , accidental , arboreal locomotion , veterinary medicine , biology , ecology , medical emergency , physics , habitat , acoustics
Background The arboreal nature of rhesus macaques makes them vulnerable to electrocution from high‐voltage industrial supply as well as low‐tension domestic wires. The data on pattern of electrocution injuries and electrocution mortalities in free‐ranging rhesus macaques are rarely reported. Methods From January 2011 to 2013, the cases of accidental electrocution injuries were recorded in difference to sex, age group, season, body region distribution, contact details, and extent of injuries in free‐ranging rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta ) of Shivalik hill areas. Results electrocution injuries were highest in juveniles (52.05%), followed by adults (30.13%) and old (10.95%) rhesus macaques. Of the 73 cases recorded, 23 (31.50%) succumbed to death following severe electrocution and associated injuries. The intensity and body region distribution of electrocution injuries was recorded. Conclusion 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.