Italy is home to some of the most beautiful wildlife in Europe. However, in recent years, monkeys have been causing a stir in the country due to their increasing number and territorial behavior. Here are three cases of monkey infestation in Italy:.
Case 1: The Barabary Macaques of Sicily
The Barabary macaque is a species of monkey native to North Africa. In recent years, a growing colony of these monkeys has been spotted on the island of Sicily.
The monkeys are believed to have been introduced to the area by tourists who brought them as pets and then released them into the wild.
The monkeys have been causing a number of problems for local farmers, who are finding that the animals are eating their crops. They have also been known to attack tourists who get too close.
The authorities in Sicily have attempted to cull the monkey population, but it has proved difficult due to the steep terrain of the area.
Some animal rights activists have also opposed the cull, arguing that the monkeys have a right to live in their natural habitat.
Case 2: The Barbary Macaques of Rome
In Rome, a similar infestation of Barbary macaques has occurred in recent years. The monkeys are believed to have originated from a colony living on the outskirts of the city.
As with the monkeys in Sicily, the Barbary macaques of Rome have been known to attack tourists and cause damage to property.
However, they have also sparked a great deal of public interest, with many locals and visitors flocking to the areas where the monkeys are known to roam.
Some animal rights activists have also been campaigning for the rights of the monkeys, arguing that they should be protected as an endangered species.
Case 3: The Capuchin Monkeys of Tuscany
The Capuchin monkey is a species native to South America. However, a number of these monkeys have been spotted in Tuscany in recent years.
It is unclear how the monkeys came to be in Tuscany, but it is thought that they may have been brought to the area by travelers or smugglers.
The Capuchin monkeys have not caused as many problems in Tuscany as their Barbary macaque counterparts in Sicily and Rome.
However, they have caused some local concern, with residents fearful that the monkeys may carry diseases that could be harmful to humans.
Conclusion
The increasing number of monkeys in Italy is a cause for concern, with many people worried about the potential damage that they could cause.
While some animal rights activists have called for the protection of these animals, others believe that something must be done to control their numbers and prevent further infestations.
It remains to be seen what the long-term effects of monkey infestation in Italy will be, but it is clear that action needs to be taken to avoid further problems.