The latest population status and trends of the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) in the Lion-tailed Macaque Sanctuary, located in the central Western Ghats, signal that better, concerted conservation efforts can have positive impacts on endangered species. The 2022 assessment estimates 730 individuals in 41 distinct groups, 36 north and five south of the Sharavathi River, with the population trend remaining largely stable over the past two decades. According to the research paper titled Population Trend and Management Prospects for the Lion-tailed Macaque in the Sharavathi Lion-tailed Macaque Sanctuary, Central Western Ghats, India, this marks a rise from 640 in 2008. Earlier assessments showed that the population size remained between 617 and 640 individuals from 2008 to 2022, indicating stability.
The lead author of the paper, Honnavalli N. Kumara, principal scientist at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, informs Mongabay India that the assessment showed that while the population was increasing, the LTM group sizes were decreasing. “Earlier assessments had shown the mean group size to be 24.7, which has now reduced to 17.8,” he says, adding that this is a good sign and indicates habitat health. “The LTM group sizes have their own threshold levels after which the groups split and disperse. If the habitat is not good, they will be forced to remain in large groups, which can lead to provisioning problems and altered social dynamics,” he explains.
The LTM faces significant threats, including habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, fragmented forest connectivity, roadkill, and electrocution from power lines. In addition, non-timber forest product (NTFP) extraction, especially firewood and Garcinia fruits, has ecological impacts, the paper notes.
Kumara points out that restoration efforts by the forest department have had a positive impact on habitat health, which has favoured the population. He, however, warns that the Sharavathi pumped storage hydroelectric project threatens to fragment the LTM habitat. “In the latest estimation, one thing we did was superimpose the effect of this project on the map to show how it is going to impact the area,” he adds. The paper highlights the vulnerability of the southern groups, which remain more isolated and at risk, unlike the northern groups that are stable and near carrying capacity. Any additional fragmentation in the south could lead to local extinctions. “For better conservation, no more fragmentation of the habitat should happen,” Kumara says.
Once designated as the Aghanashini Lion-tailed Macaque Conservation Reserve, the area was later merged with the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to form the Sharavathi Lion-tailed Macaque Sanctuary, spread over 431 sq km. “At present, it is managed by three forest divisions, but for effective species management it would be better if a single management system under one DFO took charge. A unified management approach would ensure better conservation,” Kumara suggests.
Banner image: Representative image by Davidvraju via Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0).
Credits
