where the WILD monkeys are.

The article focuses on the colony of nonnative African vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) living in Dania Beach, Florida, exploring the ecological, social, and management challenges they present. Originating from a 1947 escape of biomedical research monkeys from a local facility, this small population has persisted for nearly 80 years but faces threats from injury, habitat limits, and potential extinction within the next century. While some local residents and researchers advocate for their protection and cultural recognition, state and federal agencies classify the monkeys as invasive due to potential ecological risks, reflecting broader tensions in managing nonnative species. The case highlights complexities in defining invasiveness, balancing conservation with human values, and the role of public perception in wildlife management decisions. [Extracted from the article]