Long-Tailed Macaque Reliance on Anthropogenic Food with Potential Conflicts toward Humans in the Campus of Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Abstract

Human-macaque interactions and conflicts were examined at the main campus of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The study observed the behavior of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) and their dependence on both natural and anthropogenic food sources. Results revealed that the macaques' diet primarily consisted of young leaves (40.6%) from the natural environment within the UMS campus, but anthropogenic food discarded by students in garbage cans (27.6%) also contributed a major component in their diet. The availability of anthropogenic food positively correlated with the macaques' consumption, indicating that they consumed more of such foods when they were more abundant, particularly during the semesters when students were present. A questionnaire survey further highlighted that while the presence of macaques on the UMS campus was not considered a major concern, it still posed a problem that necessitated immediate attention. The main driving factor behind these interactions, as perceived by the students, was the macaques accessing anthropogenic food waste in garbage cans located in human-dominated spaces. To mitigate conflicts, it is suggested to implement macaque-proof garbage cans, reduce the amount of leftover anthropogenic food, and improve waste management practices. Additionally, educational activities should be considered to discourage direct feeding of macaques by students.