Abstract

The tropical rain forest in the southwestern Ghats of Kerala State was surveyed in May 1993 to assess the status and distribution of the endangered lion-tailed macaque, Macaca silenus. A total of 564 macaques in 64 troops were sighted during the survey. It is estimated that the number of lion-tailed macaques in Kerala is a minimum of 1216 but only 3 areas are identified as having viable populations with long-term conservation prospects. Most sightings of troops were in Protected Areas. The results of this survey indicate the absence of the lion-tailed macaque in the ranges reported earlier, such as the Cardamom Hills and South Wayanad. Maintenance of existing contiguous patches of evergreen forest and the inclusion of suitable management strategies in Working Plans for non-Protected Areas are suggested