Sela macaque: New Arunachal monkey named after mountain pass

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What is the News?

A new species of old world monkey (Sela macaque) recorded from Arunachal Pradesh has been named after a strategic Sela mountain pass.

About Sela macaque

Sela macaque belongs to the sinica species group of Macaca. But it differs from all other members of this group through attributes such as brown collar hair and muzzle, and the absence of chin whiskers.

Habitat: The Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Sela macaque was geographically separated from the Arunachal macaque (Macaca munzala) by Sela mountain pass.

This mountain pass acted as a barrier by restricting the migration of individuals of these two species for approximately two million years.

Note: Phylogenetics relates to the evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms.

Characteristics: Sela macaque is genetically closer to the Arunachal macaque. The two have some similar physical characteristics such as heavy-build shape and long dorsal body hair.

But the Sela macaque has some distinct morphological traits. For instance, Sela macaque has a pale face and brown coat, while the Arunachal macaque has a dark face and dark brown coat.

Sela macaque has a tail longer than the Tibetan macaque, Assamese macaque, Arunachal macaque and the white-cheeked macaque but shorter than the bonnet macaque and toque macaque.

Threats: Sela macaque is a major cause of crop loss in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Hence, it faces threats due to man-wildlife conflicts.

Source: The post is based on the article “New Arunachal monkey named after mountain pass” published in The Hindu on 28th May 2022.