UPSC Prelims 2013 Q35: Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity & Conservation
In which of the following States is lion - tailed macaque found in its natural habitat?
1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. Karnataka
4. Andhra Pradesh
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Lion-tailed macaque
The lion-tailed macaque is a monkey endemic to the Western Ghats.
It has a silver-white mane and a tuft at the tip of its tail.
| State | Found in its natural habitat? |
|---|---|
| 1. Tamil Nadu | Yes (Anamalai, Kalakkad-Mundanthurai) |
| 2. Kerala | Yes (Silent Valley, Periyar) |
| 3. Karnataka | Yes (Sirsi-Honnavara, Kudremukh) |
| 4. Andhra Pradesh | No; it has no Western Ghats rain forest |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Tropical evergreen rain forest; lives high in the trees |
| IUCN status | Endangered |
| Protection | Schedule I |
| Symbol of | The Silent Valley movement of the 1970s and 1980s |
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. It is found in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
- (b) Incorrect. It is also found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- (c) Incorrect. It is not found in Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is left out.
- (d) Incorrect. Andhra Pradesh is outside its range.
Key point
Lion-tailed macaque: endemic to Western Ghats rain forests of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; Endangered; Schedule I; flagship of Silent Valley.
Remember
Lion-tailed macaque = Western Ghats rain forest.
Common mistakes
- Adding Andhra Pradesh, which lies in the Eastern Ghats.
- Confusing it with the Nilgiri langur, another Western Ghats primate.
- Forgetting its link with the Silent Valley movement.
Exam tip
Western Ghats endemic = Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka (sometimes Goa and Maharashtra), never Andhra Pradesh.
Sources
- IUCN Red List — Macaca silenus (Lion-tailed Macaque)
- Kerala Forest Department — Silent Valley National Park