New Delhi:
A team of researchers has reported the discovery of a new species of primate in India, white cheeked Macaque, in Arunachal Pradesh. According to reports, the unprecedented discovery of primates was spotted in the Anjaw district, lying in the Eastern corner Arunachal Pradesh. Though their discovery is no random spotting but a careful observation of the photos proved the existence of this rare white cheeked Macaques.
This discovery by biologists and wildlife photographers shows India’s rich biodiversity. This discovery of the primate came after a year, the photos of the white-cheeked macaque (Macaca leucogenys) were taken in March 2015, it took a year’s time to confirm if it matches the present species or not.
“On the basis of our observations, the photographs and experts’ comments, we have come to the conclusion that the macaques we observed and photographed in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh are white-cheeked macaque,” Dr Dilip Chetry, primatologist and the head of Primatology Division at wildlife NGO Aaranyak said.
This Macaque species is new in India itself and what is different about the species is its body is covered with fur. It has uniform dorsal hair patterns, round facial appearance, dark facial skin, long and thick hair on its neck, prominent pale to white side, and chin-whiskers with a white cheek while it has small hairless tail. Experts also believe that this species at present is endangered due to illegal hunting by humans.
