The stump-tailed macaque, also known as the bear macaque (Scientific Name: Macaca arctoides), is an Old World monkey species native to South Asia. It inhabits tropical and subtropical evergreen forests in countries such as Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. In India, it is primarily found in the northeastern regions south of the Brahmaputra River. These macaques are characterized by their dark brown fur, short tails, and distinctive pink to red faces that darken with age. Males are larger than females and have elongated canine teeth used for social dominance. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and small animals. Stump-tailed macaques have cheek pouches for temporary food storage and typically travel on the ground due to limited tree agility.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- IUCN Red List: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is a comprehensive database that assesses the conservation status of various species. The stump-tailed macaque is classified as “Vulnerable” on this list, indicating a high risk of endangerment.
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: This is a legal framework in India that provides protection to wildlife and their habitats. The stump-tailed macaque is listed under Schedule II of this act, which offers specific legal provisions for its conservation.
- Old World Monkeys: Old World monkeys are a group of primates belonging to the superfamily Cercopithecoidea. They are distinct from New World monkeys, which are found in the Americas. Old World monkeys are more closely related to apes and humans than to New World monkeys.
- Cercopithecoidea: Cercopithecoidea is the superfamily that includes Old World monkeys. It encompasses a diverse range of monkey species found in Africa and Asia.
- New World Monkeys: New World monkeys are a group of primates native to the Americas. They are characterized by features that distinguish them from Old World monkeys, including differences in dental and facial structures.