Ahead of the World Badminton Championships in New Delhi, organisers have come up with an unusual way to protect the venue from wild animals.
As reported by İdman.Biz, specialists who can imitate the calls of langurs, another species of monkey, have been hired to prevent rhesus macaques from entering the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
The decision follows problems encountered during previous competitions. In January, a wild monkey entered the sports complex during the India Open. Matches have also had to be suspended because pigeons were contaminating the playing area.
The specialists will imitate langur calls and warning sounds to scare macaques away from the stadium. The method is intended to keep the animals away without harming them.
Organisers have also taken additional measures to protect the venue from birds. A special harmless gel has been applied to the stadium roof and ventilation openings to prevent pigeons from landing on these surfaces.
Badminton Association of India Secretary General Sanjay Mishra said the problems encountered during the India Open had been resolved and that the Badminton World Federation was fully satisfied with the preparations.
The World Badminton Championships will take place in New Delhi from August 17 to 23.
