Status of long tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosa) and Conservation of the recovery population in Great Nicobar Island, India

Abstract

We assessed the present status, distribution and abundance of long tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosa) in Great Nicobar Island (India) during November 2011 and February 2012. A total of 34 groups, comprising 1,133 monkeys were sighted, group size varying from 8 to 127 animals (mean ± SD = 33.32 ± 4.82); we compare them with previous reports of 2003 and 2006. However there were no significant changes between groups sighted in interior forest (N=13; 0.12 groups/km), whilst significant changes noticed in the number of groups sighted in coastal forest of the Island (N=21; 0.19 groups/km) and the survey results revealed that after tsunami the coastal population slowly recovering. However male/female ratio (1: 2.14) and adult/immature ratio (1: 1) are indicates a healthy population turnover respectively. After tsunami several homeless families were relocated to towards town side and/or interior part of the Island. Therefore several monkey groups were seen in the abundant coconut farms near coastal area; which were planted by Islanders who lived there before tsunami. Comprehensive human–monkey conflict was observed in interior part of the Island where monkeys destroyed the coconut farms and dogs were used to control monkey menace. Improving farm management and providing adequate compensation schemes are critical for successfully implementing such conservation efforts.