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Endangered Monkeys Thrive Near Humans, But Danger Looms
11 Feb
Summary
- Lion-tailed macaques are increasing near human settlements in Anamalai Hills.
- Easy food access drives macaque growth outside protected forests.
- Habitats with intact canopies are essential for arboreal macaques.
An unlikely conservation scenario is unfolding in the Anamalai Hills, where endangered lion-tailed macaques are flourishing in areas with significant human presence, such as plantations and tourist zones. This phenomenon, studied over 40 years, shows populations stable within protected forests but growing in unprotected spaces due to readily available food sources.
However, scientists warn this trend poses long-term threats. While birth rates are similar, macaques near human activity face heightened risks from traffic and electrocution. The study, involving 37 groups across rainforest fragments, highlights that intact canopies remain vital for these arboreal primates.
Urgent interventions are called for, including traffic regulation and controlling tourist access. These measures aim to mitigate accidents and ensure the continued survival of the species. Such strategies, successfully piloted in Tamil Nadu, could serve as a model for the broader Western Ghats region.
