Human interaction posing threat to lion-tailed macaques, finds study

Feeding of the animals by humans has increased, leading to potential health risks among species

- MANOJ VISWANATHAN @Kochi

AN increase in human interaction is posing a threat to the already endangered lion-tailed macaque. The primate, endemic to the Western Ghats, is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List. With a population of just over 4,200, the species faces threats from habitat loss, fragmentation and human encroachment.

A study by Sheheer T A and Dr Peroth Balakrishnan, researchers at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), and Prof Mewa Singh of the University of Mysore, published in the journal 'Primate Conservation,' reveals that increased food provisioning and habituation to human activity are jeopardizing the survival of the species.