Why in the News?
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted approval for diverting 142.76 hectares of forest land in Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.
About Lion-Tailed Macaque:
- Scientific Classification: The Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the Wanderoo or Bearded Monkey, is an primate species endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
- Distribution: It is found primarily in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- Physical Characteristics: Recognized by a silver-white mane surrounding a black face and a lion-like tuft at the end of its tail, the body is covered in glossy black fur, and both sexes look similar.
- Habitat and Behaviour
- Preferences: The species inhabits tropical evergreen rainforests, and is also found in monsoon forests and shola-grassland ecosystems.
- Habitat: It is arboreal (tree-dwelling) and diurnal (active during the day).
- Elevation Range: Typically lives at altitudes between 600 and 1,800 metres above sea level.
- Human Avoidance: Known for being shy, it tends to avoid human contact, staying high in the forest canopy.
- Social Structure: Lives in social groups of 8 to 20 individuals, usually led by a dominant male.
- Behaviour:
- Dietary Habits: Primarily frugivorous, eating fruits, but also consumes leaves, stems, flowers, buds, fungi, and occasionally insects and small animals.
- Communication System: Possesses a rich vocal communication system with over 17 distinct vocalizations.
- Territorial Behavior: Males use loud calls to mark territory and warn intruders.
- Conservation Status:
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- IUCN Status: Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Legal Protection: Appendix I of CITES; Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Population and Conservation Efforts:
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- Population: It is estimated at around only 2,500 individuals.
- Key Protected Area: The Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka hosts the largest known population in any protected area, with around 700 individuals.
- Ecological Importance:
- Serves as an indicator species for rainforest health.
- Plays a vital role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following fauna:
1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset? Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None |
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