A Toxicology report released today shows that rat poison was cause of death for 15 Formosan rock macaques that were found in Kaohsiung between August 18 and 24.

The macaques were found on Shoushan, a mountain north of the Kaohsiung Harbor entrance, commonly called Monkey Mountain in English. In the 17th century Dutch sailors named the mountain ‘Ape Hill’ because of the prolific number of macaques.

The toxicology tests were performed by the Bureau of Agriculture who are conducting a joint investigation with police to try to find the perpetrator. The bureau is also working with police and the Shoushan National Nature Park to strengthen protection for the animals.

The Bureau of Agriculture reminded the public that deliberately injuring or poisoning wild animals is a crime that carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison, along with fines between NT$200,000 and NT$1 million.

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