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New species of old world monkey renamed after Sela Pass

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Environment
  • Published
    30th May, 2022

Context

A new species of old world monkey recorded from Arunachal Pradesh has been named after a strategic Sela pass at 13,700 ft above sea level.

Key-findings

  • This new primate was identified and analysed by a team of experts from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the University of Calcutta.
  • The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Sela macaque was geographically separated from the Arunachal macaque (Macacamunzala) of Tawang district by Sela.
    • This mountain pass acted as a barrier by restricting the migration of individuals of these two species for approximately two million years.
    • Phylogenetics relate to the evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms.
  • The two have some similar physical characteristics such as heavy-build shape and long dorsal body hair. Both species have troops that either avoid proximity to humans or are used to human presence.
  • There are some distinct morphological traits to differentiate the two species.
    • While the Sela macaque has a pale face and brown coat, the Arunachal macaque has a dark face and dark brown coat.

Sela macaque has a tail longer than the Tibetan macaque, Assamese macaque, Arunachal macaqueand the white-cheeked macaque but shorter than the bonnet macaque and toque

    • macaque.
    • Sela macaque is a major cause of crop loss in the West Kameng district of the State.

About Sela Pass

  • The Sela Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located on the border between the Tawang and West Kameng districts in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It has an elevation of 4170 m and connects the Indian Buddhist town of Tawang to Dirang and Guwahati.
  • The pass supports scarce amounts of vegetation and is usually snow-covered to some extent throughout the year.
  • While Sela Pass does get heavy snowfall in winters, it is usually open throughout the year unless landslides or snow require the pass to be shut down temporarily.
  • The strategically-significant Sela Tunnel project is now nearing completion well before the deadline. 

About Zoological Survey of India

  • The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), a subordinate organization of the Ministry of Environment and Forests was established in 1916.
  • It is a national centre for faunistic survey and exploration of the resources leading to the advancement of knowledge on the exceptionally rich faunal diversity of the country.
  • It has its headquarters at Kolkata and 16 regional stations located in different geographic locations of the country.

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