Macaca silenus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Lion-tailed macaque
French : Macaque ouandérou

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Primata
Family : Cercopithecidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to a body length of 61 cm, tail length39 cm and weight up to 10 kg. Unmistakable with its entirely black pelage, black face and black tail with prominent tuft. Large mane-like grey cheek and chin ruffs.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in southern Asia and is endemic to the Western Ghats in southwest India, in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. Lives in tropical evergreen monsoon forests, from 800 to 1300 meters asl.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species’ numbers are seriously declining, mostly because of habitat loss and roadkills. Total number of mature individuals is less than 2500.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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