Why in news
A report on the status of diurnal arboreal mammals in and around the forest of Sharavathi Valley Lion-tailed Macaque (LTM) Sanctuary which has been submitted to the Karnataka Forest Department recently has revealed that there are 730 LTM in vicinity.
Lion-tailed Macaque
The lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the wanderoo, is an Old World monkey endemic to the Western Ghats of South India
Lion-tailed macaques are covered in black fur, and have a striking gray or silver mane that surrounds their face which can be found in both sexes, earns it the nickname "beard ape."
One of the smallest macaque species, it weighs 2–10 kg, has a body length of 42–61 cm, and a 25 cm tail
Lion-tailed macaques, living mostly in the upper canopy of tropical moist evergreen forests, primarily feed on fruits and seeds but also consume leaves, buds, insects, and small vertebrates
Conservation Status:
IUCN Red List: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary
Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Sharavathi River Valley of Sagar taluk in Shivamogga District, Karnataka.
The Sanctuary lies in the Western Ghats, mainly covered with evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in the valleys and grassy patches on hilltops, and is immensely rich in flora and fauna both in variety and diversity.
Jog Falls, second highest plunge waterfall in India on sharavathi river, is a major attractions to visit inside Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
The expanded sanctuary is aimed at protecting the freshwater habitat of Myristica swamps that hosts many species like Lion Tailed Macaque, Leaf Nosed Bats, Hornbills
COMMENTS