KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 20 -- Malaysia is exploring the use of oral contraceptives mixed into artificial feed as a potential non-invasive method to control its macaque population, a minister has confirmed.

The initiative is part of a search for a more humane approach to wildlife management.

Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani disclosed that a three-year study, initiated in 2021 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), is currently underway.

He explained that the study's objective is to determine an effective and safe hormone dosage for free-living macaques.

"Initial findings indicate that administering contraceptive hormon...