In a heartening revelation, a scientific study conducted by the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Karnataka Forest Department, indicates that the population of Lion-Tailed Macaques (LTMs) in Uttara Kannada remains stable despite challenges such as forest fragmentation, habitat loss, and anthropogenic pressure.
The comprehensive report, focusing on the population status of LTMs and other diurnal arboreal mammals in and around the Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary, Karnataka, highlights the presence of approximately 730 LTMs, making it the largest known population in the country, and possibly the world. These critically endangered primates, endemic to the Western Ghats and confined to the region’s rainforests, demonstrate resilience in the face of habitat challenges.
Spanning an extensive area of 930.16 sq km across Sirsi Forest Division, Canara Circle, and Shivamogga Wildlife Division, the sanctuary encompasses eight forest ranges. Notably, the study reveals 41 individuals in Kagar and Kargal forest ranges, 89 south of the sanctuary, and a significant 649 LTMs north of the sanctuary.
Despite existing disturbances in their habitat, such as encroachments, the LTMs continue to thrive. However, the report emphasizes the importance of maintaining and managing the habitat effectively. Key concerns include preserving Myristica swamps, the primary food source for macaques, and addressing human settlements within forest patches.
To bolster conservation efforts, the report recommends the appointment of a dedicated officer for the sanctuary and the establishment of Village Forest Committees to regulate the harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Produce, crucial for the macaques’ diet. Additionally, habitat restoration and corridor maintenance, along with measures to mitigate accidents like insulating high-voltage transmission lines, are proposed for safeguarding the LTMs and their habitat.
As conservationists and forest authorities collaborate to protect this unique species, ensuring the sustainability of their habitat remains paramount for the future of Lion-Tailed Macaques in Uttara Kannada.
