India - Monkey raids cause huge crop lossAnd:
Thirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra claimed that about ₹2,000 crore is the estimated crop loss due to monkey raids on areca, paddy and coconut plantations in Shivamogga alone every year. Mr. Jnanendra, who had led a delegation of MLAs from Shivamogga district to Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa to convince him about the need to set up a monkey park, said the government’s positive response to their demand had given hope to farmers of the district. “Monkey raids have become a nightmare for farmers of Malnad districts....MORE
India - Elephants damage crops in 200 acresThe simians in particular are a problem because they eat pretty much everything their human cousins do. A related example in Africa:
A herd of 22 elephants went on a damaging spree in Raisuan area of Keonjhar Monday night. Even as locals were panicked after the entry of jumbos, farmers were worried over the continuous crop loss. Reports said the animals have damaged crops in 200 acres at Jamuanali village. This has enraged the farmers while people have to spend sleepless nights to ward off the animals from farmlands.....MORE
"Vineyard-Raiding Baboons Favor Pinot Noir"
What a bunch of wine snob poseurs.
Merlot is just fine, especially if it's dolled up as Chateau Petrus.
Berry Bros. & Rudd is running a special case price, "Buy 6 and save £2667.37".
A Romanée Conti (pinot noir) will cost you double or triple. BB&R is price on request.
Either way, possibly more than the average baboon has in petty cash.
From The Big Money's Daily Bread blog:
Wild baboons in South Africa are raiding vineyards. Perhaps they watched the move Sideways or perhaps they just have good taste: Growers report that the baboons favor pinot noir grapes. Not only that, but they "choose the nicest bunches" and leave the sour grapes on the ground, according to one farmer quoted by the Associated Press.
The primates' discernment is expensive for the growers in South Africa's wine country: Pinot sells for more than the merlot and cabernet sauvignon that the tasteful baboons tend to ignore....
