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SELA MACAQUE

28th May, 2022

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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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