Toque Macaque

Why in news?

• The recent move by the Sri Lankan government to export 1 lakh monkeys to China has raised opposition from conservationists and zoologist

About Toque Macaque:

• It is a reddish-brown-coloured Old World monkey.
• It is native and endemic exclusively to Sri Lanka where it is locally known as the ‘rilewa’ or ‘rilawa’.
• They generally occupy three types of habitat, hence can be divided into three subspecies.
  • 1) Common toque macaque occurring in dry habitat
  • 2) Pale-fronted toque macaque inhabiting wet areas
  • 3) Hill-zone toque macaque, found at high elevations.
• The most characteristic feature is the toque-like swirl of hair on its head top. These physiological characteristics vary greatly, depending on climatic conditions.
• They exhibit sexual dimorphism; males are physically larger than females, and males are fitted with larger canine teeth.
• The toque macaque is listed as Endangered by IUCN due to habitat destruction and hunting, and also for the pet trade.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

With reference to ‘Toque Macaque’, consider the following statements:

1. It is endemic to Sri Lanka

2. It is an Old World monkey

3. It is listed as ‘Endangered’ in IUCN Red List

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer