Monkey of the deep jungle

In 2004, a new monkey species Arunachal macaque Macaca munzala was discovered from the high altitudes of Western Arunachal Pradesh by the scientists of NCF. Subsequent studies on this species have enriched our understanding of their ecology, demography and their genetic relationship with other macaques

We conducted field surveys to document the distribution and conservation status of the recently discovered Arunachal macaque, with particular reference to its conflict with the local indigenous people, in central Arunachal Pradesh. Interview surveys were conducted in several districts of the state during last year in an effort to evaluate the conservation strategies that may need to be developed to protect this macaque in the future.