PSC Exams
Latest Update
Latest Exam Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Books
Government Schemes
Topics
White-Cheeked Macaque : Distribution, Habitat, IUCN Status, Characteristics, Conservation & More
IMPORTANT LINKS
The White-Cheeked Macaque is a type of macaque species. It is also an endangered species. It is found in Mêdog County in southeastern Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. The White-Cheeked Macaque is relevant to the UPSC. It is part of the syllabus for General Studies Paper III (Environment, Ecology, and Biodiversity). Understanding the conservation status and habitat requirements of the species is important. It can help identify the threats it faces and the measures required to protect it. These measures are crucial for preserving biodiversity in India. They also contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
White-Cheeked Macaque is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Environment and Biodiversity in the General Studies Paper 3 syllabus and current events in UPSC prelims.
In this article, we shall see an overview of the Habitat, Distribution, Characteristics, Conservation Status, and other important facts of White-Cheeked Macaque related to the UPSC exams.
About White Cheeked Macaque
The White-cheeked macaque (Macaca leucogenys) is a species of macaque. It is found in Mêdog County in southeastern Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. It inhabits various forest habitats, from tropical forests to primary and secondary evergreen broad-leaved forests and mixed broadleaf-conifer forests. The species was first described in 2015 by Chinese primatologists Cheng Li, Chao Zhao, and Peng-Fei Fan. It belongs to the genus Macaca and is one of the twenty-three extant species within the genus. The conservation status of the White-cheeked macaque is likely to be threatened.
Know about the National Wildlife Action Plan for UPSC preparation!
Distribution and Habitat of White Cheeked Macaque
The white-cheeked Macaque has been observed in tropical forests. The White-Cheeked Macaque has also been seen at an altitude of 1395 meters.
- White-Cheeked Macaque is found in primary and secondary evergreen broad-leaved forests up to 2420 meters.
- White-Cheeked Macaque is also seen in mixed broadleaf-conifer forests of 2700 meters.
- The forests are located in Mêdog, Tibet.
- White-Cheeked Macaque are also found in Arunachal Pradesh (northeastern India).
- The Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon Nature Reserve protects the forests.
- White-Cheeked Macaque is thought to live in small multi-male, multi-female groups.
- The white-cheeked Macaque emits a loud, high-pitched alarm call.
- It does this when it detects the presence of humans.
- White-Cheeked Macaque then flees and climbs trees.
- The call is distinct in frequency from that of the Assam macaque.
Fig: Distribution and Habitat of White Cheeked Macaque
Check out the details on Wildlife Protection Act 1972 with this link!
Major Characteristics of White Cheeked Macaque
The White-Cheeked Macaque is a furry animal, with its entire body covered in fur. It has a distinct appearance, with a pattern on its back that looks the same all over.
- White-Cheeked Macaque has hair on its belly.
- Its tail is short, hairless, and sometimes bends down. The size of their tails varies by species.
- The White-Cheeked Macaque has whiskers on its face.
- The whiskers create white cheeks and a round face.
- The White-Cheeked Macaque's nose and mouth are dark.
- The White-Cheeked Macaque has long hair on its neck, and it can have body length of up to 1.25 to 2.3 feet in length.
- The length of hair depends on the species.
- Males are heavier than females.
- An adult male Macaque can weigh 5–18 kg. Females can weigh 2–13 kg.
- White-cheeked macaques are strong and heavy monkeys. They belong to the Macaca genus.
- They are larger than Assam macaques. They are about the same size as Tibetan macaques.
- Long white whiskers grow from their cheeks and chin.
- The whiskers begin growing when they reach adulthood.
- Their facial skin gets darker.
- When fully grown, their faces and ears are covered in thick, furry whiskers.
- Their dark muzzle and pink eyelids don't have fur.
- A thin, dark stripe of fur extends from the outer corner of each eye or upper cheek to each ear. This completes their look.
Also, check out the article on Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary for UPSC preparation!
Conservation Status of White Cheeked Macaque
The IUCN status of white-cheeked Macaque is Endangered. It appears on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It has NOT been yet included in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 of India.
- The population of this species has declined dramatically over the past few decades:
- Due to habitat loss
- Fragmentation
- Hunting.
- Deforestation, commercial logging, and agricultural expansion:
- Resulting in the loss of the Macaque's natural forest habitat.
- Additionally, the species is hunted for:
- Food
- Used in traditional medicine.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the remaining populations of White Cheeked Macaques.These include initiatives to:
- Reduce hunting
- Promote sustainable land use practices
- Establish protected areas
- Work with local communities to raise awareness and support conservation efforts.
- Other threats to the White-Cheeked Macaque include:
- The illegal pet trade
- Human-wildlife conflict.
- White-Cheeked Macaque are sometimes considered pests by farmers, and conflicts arise when they:
- Raid crops
- Damage property.
- In some cases, macaques are killed or injured as a result.
Organizations and governments continue to work towards protecting White-Cheeked Macaque and its habitat. Conservationists also emphasize the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts. Local communities play a key role in the success of any conservation initiative.
By promoting sustainable land use practices and raising awareness about the value of wildlife local communities can help protect the White-Cheeked Macaque and other endangered species.
Also, study about Global Environment Facility with this link!
Conclusion
The White-Cheeked Macaque is a fascinating primate species. It is found in the forests of Southeast Asia. The White-Cheeked Macaque has long tails and distinct white cheek patches. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem in their natural habitat. The White-Cheeked Macaque is listed as endangered. This is because of habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species and habitat. This includes establishing protected areas and educational programs. The goal is to raise awareness about conservation.
The conservation of the White-Cheeked Macaque is crucial. It's important to continue this work for future generations. This applies to other endangered species as well.
Check out this article on Ramsar Sites In India for the UPSC Exam!
Testbook provides comprehensive notes for different competitive examinations. It has always assured the quality of its product, like content pages, live tests, GK and current affairs, mocks, and so on. Ace your preparation with the Testbook App! Register for UPSC Online Classes at an affordable price through the UPSC CSE Coaching platform to boost your IAS preparation.
White-Cheeked Macaque FAQs
In which state the scientists recently found White-Cheeked Macaque?
Researchers and scientists found White-Cheeked Macaque. The primate species was discovered in West Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh. This marks a significant finding. The species had not been confirmed to exist in India before.
What is the IUCN status of the white-cheeked Macaque?
The white-cheeked Macaque is listed as Endangered. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as such. It appears on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The latest listing was updated in 2021.
What is the scientific name of the White-Cheeked Macaque?
The scientific name of the white-cheeked Macaque is Macaca leucogenys.
What is the physical appearance of the White-Cheeked Macaque?
The white-cheeked Macaque shares many physiological traits with its fellow Macaca species. It has a short tail and is strong. It shares many physical characteristics with the Assam macaque. It is one of the reasons the two were previously thought to be the same species.
What are the differences between the White-Cheeked Macaque and other macaque species?
Elongated, white whiskers on the face distinguish the white-cheeked Macaque. This feature is not present in other species. The animals develop a rounded appearance as they mature. This is due to the growth of their whiskers, which cover their faces.
What are the behavioral characteristics of the White-Cheeked Macaque?
The physical appearance of the white-cheeked Macaque includes a sturdy body and a short, downward-bending tail. They have a thick, hairy ruff around their neck, and their face appears round due to prominent side and chin whiskers. They are comparable in size to Tibetan macaques and are larger than Assam macaques. This species is found in various forest habitats ranging from tropical forests to primary and secondary evergreen broad-leaved forests.