Lion-tailed Macaque: Endangered, Western Ghats Endemic
Why in News
A recent study in the Western Ghats recorded 800+ Lion-tailed Macaques in human landscapes, facing risks like road accidents. This tree-dwelling species is endemic to the region's rainforests.
Background
The increasing presence of endangered Lion-tailed Macaques in human-dominated areas highlights critical habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict, necessitating urgent conservation and restoration efforts.
Key Figure
• 2,400-2,500 — estimated mature individuals remaining • 800+ — individuals recorded in human landscapes
Key Facts
- 1Species: Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) — endemic to Western Ghats rainforests.
- 2IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (population ~2,400-2,500 mature individuals).
- 3Legal Protection: Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (highest level).
- 4Habitat: Tree-dwelling, primarily frugivorous, rarely descends to ground.
- 5Major Population: Anamalai Hills, Central Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu.
- 6Threats: Habitat loss, fragmentation (tea plantations, human habitation), road accidents, electrocution.
Exam Angle
Conservation policy must address human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats, integrating local communities and land-use planning.
PYQ Connection
PRELIMS_FACT: IUCN status of species; MATCHING: Protected Areas and associated species.
Map Points