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Mammals
Silent Valley- a Habitat of Endangered Primates
India is well known for her extensive diversity of primates with 19 species distributed all over the country. Of these only five species have been reported from Kerala State. They include two macaques (Bonnet macaque and Lion Tailed Macaque), two langurs (Nilgiri langur and Hanuman langur) and one prosimian (Slender loris). Among these, the lion- tailed macaque (Macaca silenus )and Nilgiri Langur (Presbytis johni), are highly endangered and endemic to the Western Ghats |
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The distribution of the lion- tailed macaque is confined to the tropical wet evergreen forests. Silent Valley National Park, two distinct populations of the lion- tailed macaque occur on either side of the Kunthipuzha river. Their distribution range is limited to the Cullenia Palaquium tree association areas at elevations ranging from 700 to 1500 m.a.s.l . In these areas a total of 14 distinct troops with 275 individuals occur with an average troop size of 19 individuals .About 53% are adults and the rest immatures; the adult sex ratio estimated is 1:5:6 females.
Unlike the lion- tailed macaque, Nilgiri langurs have a wide range of distribution extending from 400 to 2300 m.a.s.l in and around the Silent Valley National Park. Even though, the main habitat of Nilgiri langur was described as the high altitude montane shola, they are found well adapted to the low altitude evergreen,semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests in the border. A population of this primate with high density occurs in the medium altitude (900-1300a.s.m.l) also. Nilgiri langurs are often sighted along with Hanuman langur troops foraging together in the fringes of moist deciduous forests of Mannarkkad Forest Division bordering the south – western region of the National Park. About 501 individuals belonging to 85 distinct troops occur in the National Park
Our long- term observations revealed that the major food items of the lion- tailed macaque are fruits, flower, seeds, and invertebrates. Of these the mesocarp of different fleshy fruits rank top. But during February, March, October, and November, the flower intake is higher than any other food items. The lion- tailed macaque depends on about 71 plant species for its diet. Amoung these Cullenia exarillata, Palaquium ellipticum, Ficus beddomei, Ficus racemosa, Ficus amplissima, Artocarpusheterophyllus. Syzygium cumini, Mangifera indica, Turpinia Malabarica,Drypetes elata etc. are major species.
In the case of Nilgiri langur, the major food item is foliage of different tree species. They also feed on fruits, seeds, and bark. However, tender leaves and shoots are highly preferred by these monkeys.
Habitat fragmentation and poaching have affected the populations of lion- tailed macaque and Nilgiri langur. Silent Valley National Park and Ashambu hills in the Agasthya forests are considered as the only viable habitat for lion- tailed macaque in its entire range of distribution. Intensive management and conservation strategies should be adopted to ensure long term survival of these primates.
Mammals recorded from Silent Valley National Park
- Bonnet Macaque
- Lion Tailed Macaque
- Nilgiri Langur
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Fishing Cat
- Jungle Cat
- Slender Loris (?)
- The small Indian Civet
- Common Palm Civet
- Brown Palm Civet (?)
- Ruddy Mongoose
- Striped Necked Mongoose
- Brown Mongoose (?)
- Wild Dog
- Sloth Bear
- Common Otter
- Clawless Otter (?)
- The Nilgiri Marten (?)
- Indian giant Squirrel
- Common Giant Flying Squirrel
- Small Travancore Flying Squirrel
- Indian Porcupine
- Indian Elephant
- Guar
- Nilgiri Tahr
- Sambar
- Barking Deer
- Mouse Deer
- Indian Wild Boar
- Pangolin
(? Indicates a certain degree of doubt about presence.)
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