Human Interaction Threat to Lion-Tailed Macaques

• 26 Dec 2024

Source: TH 

The endangered lion-tailed macaque (LTM) faces threats from increasing human interactions, driven by habitat encroachment and food provisioning. 

• Human-provided food causes malnutrition, disease, dependency, and increases risks of road accidents and human aggression. 
  • LTM is highly adaptable to human-altered environments and frequently interacts with humans. 

 

• About Lion-tailed Macaque: 
  • They are old world monkeys endemic to the Western Ghats of India. 
    • Their key habitats include the Anamalai Hills, Nelliyampathy, Nilambur Ghats, Sholayar, Gavi, Sabarimala, Vallimalai Hills and Agumbe of the Western Ghats. 
  • The lion-tailed macaque's black fur and light mane around its head and chin give it the nickname "beard ape." 
  • Dominant males of the group emit loud, human-like ‘whoops’ to alert outsiders entering their territory. 
  • Conservation Status: 
    • IUCN Red List: Endangered 
    • CITES: Appendix I 
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I 

 

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