Distribution and habitat suitability of the endangered lion-tailed macaque Macaca silenus and other primate species in the Kodagu region of the Western Ghats, India
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.This study mapped endangered lion-tailed macaque populations in Kodagu, Western Ghats. Findings highlight suitable habitats for multiple primate species, recommending reserved forests for protected area inclusion.
Area Of Science
- Primatology
- Conservation Biology
- Ecology
Background
- Global biodiversity decline necessitates mapping endangered species in remaining wild habitats.
- The Kodagu region of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, remains underexplored for primate populations.
- Lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) are endangered and endemic to small regions, requiring focused conservation assessments.
Purpose Of The Study
- To assess the distribution and habitat suitability of the endangered lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) in the Kodagu region.
- To conduct a comprehensive primate survey in an underexplored area of the Western Ghats.
- To identify potential conservation areas for multiple primate species.
Main Methods
- Conducted extensive primate surveys covering 523 km of trails in the Kodagu region.
- Encountered and identified various primate groups, including bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata), lion-tailed macaques, black-footed gray langurs (Semnopithecus hypoleucos), and Nilgiri langurs (Semnopithecus johnii).
- Performed habitat suitability analysis using environmental factors to determine distribution patterns.
Main Results
- Identified 185 primate groups, with lion-tailed macaques, bonnet macaques, and two langur species present.
- Black-footed gray langurs and bonnet macaques showed distribution linked to numerous environmental factors; other species were influenced by fewer.
- Calculated suitable habitat areas: black-footed gray langurs (961 km²), bonnet macaques (910 km²), lion-tailed macaques (779 km²), and Nilgiri langurs (258 km²).
Conclusions
- The Kodagu region is a crucial conservation area for lion-tailed macaques and other primate species.
- Reserved forests between two Wildlife Sanctuaries offer significant suitable habitat (282 km² for lion-tailed macaques) and should be integrated into the protected area network.
- The study provides critical data for informed conservation strategies in the Western Ghats.
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