Consider the following statements regarding Lion-tailed macaque: It is...
Statement 1: Lion-tailed macaque is a primate endemic to the rainforests of the Himalayan region.
The statement is incorrect.
The Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) is actually endemic to the Western Ghats of South India, not the Himalayan region. This species is primarily found in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The Western Ghats is a mountain range along the western coast of India, and it is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot due to its high species diversity and endemism.
The Lion-tailed macaque is known for its distinctive appearance, with a tuft of hair on its head that resembles a lion's mane, hence its name. It has a black fur and a silver-white mane, which makes it one of the most visually striking primates.
Statement 2: Males of this species define the boundaries of their home ranges.
The statement is correct.
In Lion-tailed macaque societies, males are primarily responsible for defining and defending the boundaries of their home ranges. They use vocalizations, gestures, and physical displays to communicate and establish dominance over other males in their group. The boundaries of their home ranges are important for resource access, mating opportunities, and overall group cohesion.
Male Lion-tailed macaques are territorial and can be aggressive towards other males that enter their territory. They engage in territorial displays such as lunging, chasing, and vocalizing to enforce their dominance and maintain their boundaries. This behavior helps to reduce competition for resources and ensures reproductive success.
However, it is important to note that Lion-tailed macaque groups are typically small and consist of a dominant male, several females, and their offspring. The dominant male's role in defining home range boundaries is primarily to protect and secure the resources needed for the survival of the group.
In conclusion, the correct answer is option B: 2 only. The Lion-tailed macaque is not endemic to the Himalayan region but is endemic to the Western Ghats of South India. Males of this species define the boundaries of their home ranges.
Consider the following statements regarding Lion-tailed macaque: It is...
Recently, Lion-tailed macaque has been sporadically spotted by conservationists in the forests of Nadugani, shared by the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu and Nilambur in Kerala.
- The Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) is an Old World monkey.
- One of the distinguishing features of this species is that males define the boundaries of their home ranges by calls.
- Overall, their communication system contains as many as 17 vocalizations.
- Appearance
- They are characterised by the grey mane around their face.
- They are sometimes called bearded monkeys.
- The magnificent Lion-tailed macaque is named due to its lion-like, long, thin, and tufted tail.
- Habitat
- In the wild, these are only native to India.
- It is a primate endemic to small and severely fragmented rainforests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Threat
- The biggest threat to the overall population of this species is the destruction of their rainforest habitat.
- Conservation status
- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES : Appendix I
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 : Schedule I
Hence only statement 2 is correct.