SELA MACAQUE

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Context

• Scientists at the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have described a new species of macaque from western Arunachal Pradesh, which is genetically different from the other species of monkeys reported from this region.

About Sela Macaque

• 'Sela macaque' (Macaca selai) name being derived from a local tribal woman 'Sela'.
  • The 'Sela pass' is named after her who supported Indian soldiers during the attack and invasion by the Chinese army in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The ZSI has chosen this name to respect the brave local girl — Sela for the newly defined macaque species, which is also a phylogenetic divergent of the Arunachal macaque.
  • Sela macaque is genetically closer to the Arunachal macaque and there are many physical characteristics similar between these two species like a heavy-build shape and long dorsal body hair.
  • There are some distinct morphological characteristics, the Arunachal macaque has a dark face and dark brown coat colour while the Sela macaque has a pale face and brown coat colour.
  • According to villagers, the Sela macaque is a major cause of crop loss in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • The Arunachal Macaque is an endangered and recently discovered cercopithecine primate from Western Arunachal Pradesh.

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