New species of old world monkey renamed after Sela Pass

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.