Stump-Tailed Macaque 

06 Sep 2023 Stump-Tailed Macaque 

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic details “Stump-Tailed Macaque”. The Topic “Stump-Tailed Macaque” has relevance in the Ecology section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

Geographical Range of Stump-Tailed Macaque?

Dietary Habits of Stump-Tailed Macaque?

Physical Characteristics of Stump-Tailed Macaque?

Conservation Status of Stump-Tailed Macaque?

For Mains:

GS 3: Ecology

Why in the news:

The stump-tailed macaque, also known as the bear macaque, is a remarkable primate species that calls South and Southeast Asia home. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this intriguing species, from its geographical range to its dietary habits and unique physical characteristics.

Geographical Range:

• Habitat: The stump-tailed macaque is native to the lush forests of South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Indian Presence: In India, this species thrives in the evergreen forests of South Asia, including regions in Northeast India located south of the Brahmaputra River.
• Indian Range: Its range in India spans from Assam and Meghalaya to the eastern reaches of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Dietary Habits:

• Frugivorous Lifestyle: The stump-tailed macaque is primarily a frugivore, with fruits comprising a significant portion of its diet.
• Varied Vegetation: Besides fruits, this macaque species consumes a wide array of vegetation, including seeds, leaves, and roots.
• Hunting Behavior: Interestingly, the stump-tailed macaque also exhibits omnivorous tendencies, preying on freshwater crabs, frogs, bird eggs, and insects to supplement its diet.

Physical Characteristics:

• Fur and Bald Features: It has dense, dark brown fur covering its body. However, its face and its notably short tail are devoid of hair.
• Age-Related Changes: As infants, these macaques are born with a white coat that gradually darkens as they mature. Their bright pink or red faces evolve into shades of brown or nearly black as they age, accompanied by a loss of most of their hair.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males of this species are larger in size compared to their female counterparts.

Conservation Status:

• Vulnerable Classification: The stump-tailed macaque is currently listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of species, signifying the need for conservation efforts to protect this remarkable primate.

SOURCE:https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/meet-delhi-zoos-new-residents-eight-stump-tailed-macaques-8924291/

Q.1 With reference to stump-tailed macaque, consider the following statements:

1. The stump-tailed macaque is native to South and Southeast Asia.
2. In India, this species can be found in forests of South India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: A

Q.2 With reference to stump-tailed macaque, consider the following statements:

1. The stump-tailed macaque is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
2. The stump-tailed macaque is exclusively nocturnal.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: A

rishabh