Q. In which of the following States is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitat? - Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Andhra Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (UPSC Prelims 2013)
Answer:
1, 2 and 3 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[A] 1, 2 and 3 only. The lion-tailed macaque (
Macaca silenus) is an Old World monkey endemic to the Western Ghats of South India. Its distribution is strictly governed by the presence of evergreen tropical rainforests.
- Geographic Range (Statements 1, 2, and 3 are Correct): The natural habitat of the lion-tailed macaque is spread across the three states that share the core of the Western Ghats: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Key protected areas where they are found include the Silent Valley National Park (Kerala), Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu), and Kudremukh National Park (Karnataka).
- Andhra Pradesh (Statement 4 is Incorrect): Andhra Pradesh is primarily part of the Eastern Ghats and the Deccan Plateau. These regions consist of dry deciduous forests and scrublands, which do not provide the dense, wet evergreen canopy required for the lion-tailed macaque's survival. Therefore, it is not found in its natural habitat in this state.
- Conservation Status: This primate is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is unique due to its silver-white mane surrounding the face and its "lion-like" tufted tail. Unlike other macaques, it is highly arboreal (lives in trees) and feeds primarily on indigenous fruits and seeds.
The lion-tailed macaque is one of the most iconic flagship species of the Western Ghats, and its presence is often used as an indicator of the health of the rainforest ecosystem.