One Health Approach in Long Tailed Macaque Conservation and Zoonotic Potential from Molecular and Social Perspective
Although in some places long-tailed macaques are often seen as a
nuisance to human activities, in some tourism objects, long-tailed macaques have become very important
icons. The existence of long-tailed
macaques
has been used as an attraction for tourists to visit the place. Bali and Yogyakarta are the
cities with most tourist attraction in Indonesia. In the province of Bali,
the presence of long-tailed
macaques as
a lure for tourists can be found in Uluwatu, Monkey Forest Ubud and Sangeh.
Meanwhile in Yogyakarta, the presence of long-tailed macaques in the tourist area is in Kaliurang. The existence of a herd of long-tailed macaques in tourist areas, on the
one hand, has been beneficial because it has become a tourist commodity, which improve the wealth
of the communities surrounding the areas, but on the other hand,
cautions are needed because long-tailed macaques have been reported to attack and bite visitors. In severe case, they rob
the visitors’ belongings and intimidating people especially children. The possibility of disease
transmission from monkeys to visitors is also another potential
problem arised due to the genetic similarity to humans which can transfer
zoonotic diseases (disease from animals to humans and vice versa). Thus, One Health Approach,
a transdiciplinary approach e.g. Veterinary Medicine, Anthropology (Social and
Cultural Sciences), and Natural Science (Molecular Biology), is urgently needed in Tourism Places of Bali
and Yogyakarta to protect the communal health and sustainable communities
alongside with the animals’ conservation. The course is providing the best approach of empowerment program according to the One Health Approach to
maintain the health of humans, animals, especially long-tailed macaques, and
environment. Additionally, One Health Approach is needed for the long-tailed macaques
to have good relationships with humans and maintain their sustainability as
well as maintain the Tourism Place sustainability. In this regard, changes in
behavior and treatment are mostly given to humans, both tourism managers and
visitors. This One Health approach for
sustainable tourism of healthy humans, animals, and environment can be
implemented not only in the places mentioned but also to a broader communities
across the world.