Lion-tailed macaques are found in which part of India?

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer -2019 (Shift -1)

Explanation

The Lion-tailed macaque is an endangered primate species.
It is endemic to the Western Ghats of Southern India, meaning it is found nowhere else in the wild.
Its natural habitat consists of the tropical evergreen rainforests located in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
This species is arboreal, spending most of its life in the upper canopy of trees.

Option A: Jammu and Kashmir is a Himalayan region with a cold, alpine climate. This environment is unsuitable for a tropical primate like the Lion-tailed macaque.
Option B: Sikkim is another Himalayan state with temperate and alpine forests. Its fauna and climate are completely different from the tropical habitat required by the Lion-tailed macaque.
Option C: Assam is in Northeast India and is known for its unique biodiversity, including the one-horned rhinoceros and Hoolock gibbon. However, the Lion-tailed macaque is not found in this region.

Visual 1: Image: A close-up of a Lion-tailed macaque, highlighting its characteristic silver-white mane and black fur, which gives it its name.
Visual 2: Map: A map of India showing the location of the Western Ghats mountain range, highlighting the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu as the macaque's habitat.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitats in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The Lion-tailed macaque is an 'indicator species.' Its presence signifies a healthy, undisturbed rainforest ecosystem. Their declining numbers are a clear indicator of habitat degradation.
This species is also an 'umbrella species.' Protecting its large habitat automatically ensures the conservation of many other species that share its ecosystem.
Understanding the specific habitats of endangered species is fundamental to national and global conservation strategies and policies.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on geography and environmental science.
First, identify the key subject of the question: the 'Lion-tailed macaque'.
Recall or deduce the specific geographical habitat of this species within India.
Analyze the given options, which represent distinct geographical and climatic zones of India.
Eliminate the options with unsuitable environments. The Himalayas (Jammu & Kashmir, Sikkim) are cold and alpine, which is incorrect for a rainforest primate.
Differentiate between the remaining tropical regions. Assam (Northeast) has its own unique fauna, while the Lion-tailed macaque is famously endemic to the Western Ghats (Southwest).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full ESIC Nursing Officer -2019 (Shift -1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.