Sri Lanka’s monkey survey hit a snag when farmers’ reports of crop-raiding animals—especially monkeys and peacocks—soared into improbable territory during the March 15 count. Deputy Minister Anton Jayakodi called the results “unbelievable,” as some claimed swarms of wildlife bigger than their entire villages.

Officials launched the nationwide nuisance wildlife survey hoping for clarity, but instead found 'unusually high' animal tallies, including one village counting more peacocks than people. The phrase 'monkey business' became literal as the government reviews the data to avoid a statistical stampede.

Over a third of Sri Lanka’s crops are reportedly destroyed by wild animals annually, but this year, farmers’ exaggerated monkey math may have outnumbered the country’s human census—leaving officials scratching their heads and their data sheets.