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An Opportunity for Himalayan Conservation: The Sela Macaque (Macaca selai)

Symrna Darkmorph
May 13
4 min read

Photo Credit: Surya Ramachandran , shared by Dr. Mukesh Thakur — Photo Credit: **Surya Ramachandran , shared by Dr. Mukesh Thakur**

This International Macaque Week we're excited about The Sela Macaque (Macaca selai), which developed into a separate species from the Arunachal macaque because the two groups were isolated from each other for a long time geographical separation by the Sela Pass.

Arunachal Pradesh is already home to a few species of macaques (monkeys). These include:

Arunachal Macaque (Macaca munzala):

Discovered in 2003, this macaque is primarily found in the high altitudes of western Arunachal Pradesh

Assamese Macaque (Macaca assamensis):

This macaque is also found in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in eastern districts

White-cheeked Macaque (Macaca leucogenys):

This species was also recently discovered in Arunachal Pradesh, specifically in West Siang district. see source

and in 2022 we added the...

Sela Macaque (Macaca selai):

This species was recently discovered in 2022 and It is distinct from the Arunachal macaque and other macaques in the region due to genetic differences.

I wanted to understand the Sela Macaque in detail and so I wrote an email to Dr. Mukesh Thakur who along with his team made this discovery. He promptly responded and we were able to set a time for a discussion to understand this new species.

So how did the discovery of Sela Macaque take place?

Like many other scientific discoveries this too was an accidental discovery, said Dr. Thakur as the aim was not to find a new species but was to to find out two main things about the monkeys in the Sela Pass mountain area:

First, Dr. Thakur and his team wanted to know if the high mountains of the Sela Pass stop the monkeys from moving around freely and mixing their genes.
Second, they wanted to see if the genetic differences they find in the Arunachal macaques match up with how we identify the Arunachal macaques as different groups or types.

So while they were looking for proof of a subspecies of Arunachal Macaque existing in the regions of - and -, their research actually led to the discovery of the new species.

How different is the Sela Macaque from the Arunachal Macaque?

The most noticeable visual differences are the colour of their faces and coats, and the presence or absence of chin whiskers. The Sela macaque also has a relatively longer tail compared to the Arunachal macaque. These morphological distinctions, along with genetic evidence and geographical separation, led to the classification of the Sela macaque as a distinct species explains the research paper published.

The discovery of the Sela macaque in the Eastern Himalayas is particularly significant now as this discovery underscores the region's yet-untapped biological richness and highlights the urgent need for intensified conservation efforts before such unique biodiversity is lost. Given its recent identification and likely limited distribution, the Sela macaque is inherently vulnerable. Necessary conservation efforts must include immediate habitat protection through the designation of protected areas and the implementation of stringent environmental safeguards for ongoing and future development projects. Comprehensive ecological studies are crucial to understand its population size, distribution, and specific threats.

In conversation with Dr. Mukesh Thakur, he revealed that reports indicate that the Sela macaque has been involved in instances of crop damage in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, leading to conflict with local agricultural communities.

Amanda from Macaque Coalition, Asia for Animals, tells us that understanding the patterns of crop raiding, the factors driving the macaques to these areas, and the economic impact on local livelihoods is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. Read her tips here.

These strategies must involve collaborative efforts between conservation authorities and local communities to find solutions that protect both human interests and the long-term survival of the newly discovered Sela macaque, such as implementing non-harmful deterrent measures, promoting alternative livelihoods, and fostering awareness about the importance of coexisting with wildlife.

An Opportunity to Chart a New Course for Himalayan Conservation

The Sela macaque's restricted range and the threats it faces make it a priority for conservation efforts. The primary threats to its survival include:

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Deforestation for logging, agriculture, and infrastructure projects is a major concern. The Sela Pass region, while remote, is not immune to these pressures.

• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Crop-raiding by macaques can lead to conflict with local communities, potentially resulting in retaliatory killings.

• Climate Change: The high-altitude ecosystems of the Himalayas are particularly vulnerable to climate change, which can alter habitat conditions, affect food availability, and disrupt ecological balance.

The discovery of the Sela macaque provides a compelling reason to strengthen conservation measures in the region. It also presents an opportunity to adopt new, innovative approaches.

Charting a New Course

Here's how the Sela macaque can help chart a new course for Himalayan conservation:

Increased Focus on Research and Monitoring: The Sela macaque's discovery highlights the need for more extensive research on the region's biodiversity.
Strengthening Protected Area Networks: The existing network of protected areas in the Eastern Himalayas may not adequately cover the Sela macaque's range. There is a need to assess the effectiveness of current protected areas in conserving the species along with identifying critical habitats and corridors that need to be protected.
Promoting Community-Based Conservation: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is crucial. This involves:
1. Promoting sustainable land-use practices that minimize habitat destruction.
2. Developing strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, such as providing alternative livelihoods or implementing crop protection measures.
3. Supporting community-based conservation initiatives that empower local people to manage their natural resources.
4. Raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect the Sela macaque

The Sela macaque is more than just a new species; it is a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the Himalayas. In Dr. Mukesh Thakur's words, the discovery of this species is not the end, infact it's a beginning , and an opportunity to enhance conservation and spread awareness.

References

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