Sri Lanka’s 🇱🇰 Monkey Census: The Results Are In

⭕️ According to ministry sources, there are an estimated 8 million toque monkeys and 4 million gray langurs across the country. - Aruna newspaper

However, many experts believe these figures are likely an order of magnitude higher than reality.

⭕️ Some households reportedly feared that if they reported seeing “0” monkeys, it would be interpreted as them not being impacted by these animals, which could affect future support for agricultural damage.

⭕️ There are also reports that survey officers — typically Grama Niladari or Development Officers — collected forms from households days before or after the scheduled count, sometimes even instructing people to simply “put a number” on the form.

⭕️ Perhaps the most significant flaw in the survey design was the lack of data points for cross-verification. The census only recorded raw numbers, without additional context such as how frequently monkeys were seen or the average number spotted per day or week. Such details would have allowed for better quality control, identification of outliers, and insight in to what people had actually reported.

⭕️ Overall, while the intention behind the census was commendable, the lack of methodological rigor has left the findings open to serious scrutiny — resulting in outcomes that make little sense.

#SriLanka #MonkeyCensus