This Indian Wildlife Sanctuary Is the Only Place on Earth to See the Lion-Tailed Macaque

This Indian Wildlife Sanctuary Is the Only Place on Earth to See the Lion-Tailed Macaque (Image: Canva)

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, a hidden gem of biodiversity, is located deep in the green Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Occupying more than 950 square kilometres, this sanctuary has not only tigers and elephants, but it is also among the few foundations where people can observe the endangered lion-tailed macaque.

One of the most endangered primates in the world is the lion-tailed macaque, which is native to the Western Ghats. It is known by its characteristic silver-white mane around a dark face and receives its name because of its tufted tail, which looks like a lion's. This is the only species among macaques that is shy and mostly arboreal, and the majority of its time is spent in the upper part of dense evergreen forests.

These primates have their ideal condition in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, which is full of rainforests. In this case, they live in small groups, feeding on fruits, seeds, insects and at times the small animals. The fact that they are in the region is a significant indicator of the ecological health of the area, since they depend on undisturbed forest corridors in order to prosper.

The conservation of the lion-tailed macaque has been a priority for decades. The species is reported as endangered by IUCN, with a population of less than 4,000 estimated in the wild. The destruction of forests, settlement, and agriculture remains a threat to its existence; therefore, the Anamalai landscape is crucial to its conservation.

Tiger safaris are common among the visitors to the sanctuary, but the sight of a lion-tailed macaque is even more of a rare treat. The most probable opportunities of spotting these elusive animals are trekking through the evergreen patches or guided walk trails in the forest. They are very secretive, and thus, they are not always seen, but it is a rewarding experience in itself to know you are in their exclusive habitat.

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve is therefore not just a tiger habitat. It bears a protector of one of the primates on this planet, which is very rare, and it reminds us of the fragility of the balance between the population of animals and the human population. It is not just a matter of preserving biodiversity, but the natural heritage of India, which should be preserved to keep it as a heritage for future generations.