Lion-tailed macaque

The lion-tailed macaque, also known as the wanderoo, is a distinctive Old World monkey native to the Western Ghats of South India. Renowned for its striking black fur complemented by a silver-white mane, it is often called the "beard ape." These relatively small primates measure between 42 to 61 cm in length and weigh between 2 to 10 kg. Their medium-length tails conclude with a distinctive black tuft, reminiscent of a lion's tail.

In terms of reproduction, lion-tailed macaques have a gestation period of approximately six months. Mothers nurse their young for about a year, and the offspring reach sexual maturity at around four years for females and six years for males. In their natural habitat, these monkeys can live up to 20 years, whereas in captivity, their lifespan may extend to 30 years. They share a close evolutionary relationship with the Pig-tailed Macaque, which inhabits Southeast Asia.

Lion-tailed macaques are diurnal and primarily inhabit the upper canopy of rainforests. They live in hierarchical groups comprising 10 to 20 members, usually consisting of a few males and many females. These monkeys are territorial and can be quite aggressive when defending their domain. Their diet largely consists of fruits, leaves, buds, insects, and small vertebrates, which they adapt according to the available resources in their environment.

Presently, the population of lion-tailed macaques is estimated to be between 3,000 to 3,500 individuals, dispersed across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Regrettably, they are among the rarest and most endangered primates due to habitat destruction driven by agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization. Nevertheless, various conservation efforts are underway in protected areas of South India, and zoos are actively participating in breeding programs to help secure their future.