In a positive development for mother nature, a new species of primate has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. Discovered by the Zoological Survey of India scientists, the species is called Sela Macaque, named after the Sela pass.
Earlier researchers and scientists discovered the existence of the White-Cheeked Macaque (Macaca leucogenys) in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Siang district.
Arunachal macaque
Arunachal macaque (M. munzala) is an endangered and recently discovered cercopithecine primate from Western Arunachal Pradesh, India. In the samples collected from Arunachal Pradesh, the researchers observed ‘spatially distributed substantial inter-species genetic divergence’.
The results of the study suggested that Arunachal macaque evolved into two phylogenetic species. Phylogenetics relates to the evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms.
Sela macaque was geographically separated from the Arunachal macaque of the Tawang district by Sela. According to the study, the Sela mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh acted as a barrier by restricting the migration of individuals of these two species for approximately two million years. Sela is situated between Dirang and Tawang towns in western Arunachal Pradesh.
Features of Sela macaque
Sela macaque (M. selai) is a new macaque species that exhibited high intra-specific genetic variation. The species was found in western and central Arunachal Pradesh while exploring the Arunachal macaque’s wild population for genetic insights. According to Mukesh Thakur, one of the authors of the study, the Sela macaque is genetically different from the other species of monkeys reported from this region.
Although, Sela macaque shares certain similar physical characteristics to Arunachal macaque like heavy-build shape and long dorsal body hair, they are different in terms of color, and facial features. While the Sela macaque has a pale face and brown coat, the Arunachal macaque has a dark face and dark brown coat.
Sela macaque has a longer tail compared to Tibetan macaque, Assamese macaque, Arunachal macaque and the white-cheeked macaque but shorter than the bonnet macaque and toque macaque. Other features of the species include brown collar hair and muzzle, thick brown hair around the neck, and the absence of chin whiskers
However, the Sela macaque, according to the villagers, is a major cause of crop loss in the West Kameng district of the State.
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