Predictive distribution modeling and population status of the endangered Macaca munzala in Arunachal Pradesh, India

The present study reports the population of Macaca munzala in Tawang and West Kameng districts and its predictive distribution range in Arunachal Pradesh, estimated using ecological niche modeling. Environmental variables and occurrence data from a preliminary survey were used in the MaxEnt modeling, a statistical model to know the potential distribution area of the enigmatic species in Arunachal Pradesh. Later, a population survey was carried out in Tawang and West Kameng districts of the state following existing trails and paths. The distribution model revealed that only 2.4% of the total landmass of the state is potential distribution habitat range for M. munzala, whereas 10.19% of the total area of the two districts were shown to be potential habitat of the species. A total number of 971 individuals (including two solitary males) comprising 41 troops of M. munzala were recorded during the population survey. The mean troop size was 23.63 ± 1.21 individuals per troop ranging from 12 to 44 individuals. On average, M. munzala troops were comprised of juveniles (30.37%), adult females (23.83%), infants (18.22%), adult males (11.53%), sub-adult females (9.81%), and sub-adult males (6.23%). Our observed population size of M. munzala is higher in Tawang and West Kameng districts when compared with the earlier available records. This study showed the potential distribution of M. munzala based on environmental variables and the present population status in Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India.