The lion-tailed macaque, a species endemic to the Western Ghats, is facing a survival threat due to human interaction, a recent study revealed
About Lion-Tailed Macaque:
Scientific Name: Macaca Silenus
An Old-World monkey with a lion-like tufted tail and grey mane, often called the bearded monkey. It is recognized for its unique vocalizations, comprising 17 distinct sounds used for communication and marking territory.
Endemic to:
Exclusively found in the rainforests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, India.
Unique Features:
- Distinguished by a grey, mane-like fur around its face and a long, tufted tail.
- Primarily arboreal, relying on the dense rainforest canopy for food and protection.
IUCN Status:
- Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Protected under Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Habitat:
Resides in small, fragmented patches of Western Ghats rainforests, making it highly vulnerable to threats like deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and human interference.
