A Book that brings out the diversity of the region
The Mammals of North
East India
Text, line drawings
and maps by Anwaruddin Choudhury
Gibbon Books and The
Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India
Supported by Forestry
Bureau, COA,
2013
Snippets
Pieces (neither connected nor complete) from
each of the 3 sections (Introduction, Systematic list and Taxonomic
descriptions and Species likely to occur) are shared below to give a glimpse of
the spectacular diversity of the region that is brought out by the publication. Attempt is made to
eek dollops from multiple species in the section (Systematic list and Taxonomic
descriptions) to bring out the wide array of aspects covered.
Introduction
Review of Literature
In the 1940s and 1950s literature
continued to be scanty. Some of the works on mammals holding good information
on NE India were Pocock (1940), Parsons (1941), Prater (1948), Ellerman &
Morrison-Scott (1951), Shebbeare (1953), Gee (1956), Khajuria (1956) and
Oboussier & Maydell (1959). Ellerman & Morrison-Scot’s (1951) checklist
on Palaearctic and Indian mammals also has useful information, and for the first
time provided and authoritative systematic list for those regions.
Conservation
Almost the entire population of
primates (Slow loris, Pig-tailed macaque, Asamese macaque, Rhesus macaque,
Stump-tailed macaque, Capped langur and Hoolock gibbon), ungulates (Gaur,
Sambar, Wild water buffalo) and major
carnivores have vanished from the 900 sq kms rainforest tract comprising Nambor
(south block), Diphu, and Rengma RFs in Golaghat district (Assam) because of
border problem with Nagaland and subsequent felling, poaching and encroachment,
during the 1970s and 1980s.
Systematic list and Taxonomic descriptions
Local Names
Senni (Adi), Shinumomong (Ao
Naga), Nilaji makhra (Bodo), Duroc, Galwee (Garo), Mittunkoi (Hmar), Hingqui
(Jemi Naga), Hoinu (Karbi / Mikir), Yapnang (Khasi), Cheep (Khiamniungan Naga),
Samrak gamkok (Manipuri), Sahuai (Mizo), Hangibosheb (Nishi / Daffla),
Zawng-ochai (Rangkhawl), Rangchubi (Tangsa), Awe (Wancho), Shallu (Yimchunger
Naga), Tegui (Zeliang Naga; Liangmai dialect).
Subspecies
Two species were recognized
(Groves 1967), of which one is found. A new subspecies is under description;
however, further taxonomic studies are needed as there may be some intergrades
in the northernmost areas of its range in Arunachal Pradesh and northern
Myanmar.
Distribution and
status
Mizoram – Reported from all the
districts. Very rare. Protected areas where the species has been recorded are
Dampa Wls, Lengteng Wls, Murlen NP, Pualreng Wls and Ngengpui Wls. Current
status in Phawngpui NP, Khawnglung Wls, Phawngpui NP and Tawi Wls is not known
but stray animals still occur. Elsewhere, there are sizeable habitat in Inner
Line RF, and in the forests in the extreme south covering southern parts of
Lawngtlai and Saiha districts. A skull was examined at Tuipui in Champai
district in February 2001 (AUC). Seen in 1987 in Lunglei and Chimptuipui
districts (Mandal et al. 2007). One
cub ws caught by villagers near Kangphui, c. 64 kms north of Aizawl town (Gee
1967).
Remarks
There are seasonal variations in
pelage colour and the ranges of different subspecies may not be strictly
allopatric. Sympatric distribution means regular ‘hybridization’
(introgression) creating confusion in field identification. Animals have been
observed in the wild having characteristics of two or even three subspecies
(Choudhury 1997). Corbett and Hill (1992) mentioned its occurrence up to 1,000 mtrs
only but it has been recorded up to 2,800 mtrs elevantion in Arunachal Pradesh
(near Lamacamp at the edge of Eagle’s Nest Wls; Choudhury 2003).
Species likely to occur
Remarks
Silvered leaf
monkey (Trachypithecus cristatus)
No specific record so far of its
existence, however, many reports from eastern and southern Assam especially
from the rain forests of Tinsukia, Hailakandi and Cachar districts. Also
reported from Mizoram (Choudhury 1991).
Napier and Napier (1967) stated
that it may be found in NE India, while Ellerman & Morrison-Scott (1951)
mentioned one specimen collected in Tipperah Hills (present Tripura). The most
intriguing report on the occurrence of the Silvered leaf monkey was from
Mizoram. About 30–35 long tailed ‘black monkeys’ in trees like Albizzia sp.,
with a few on the ground seen near Harinchora area, 20-25 kms downstream of
Sairang at around 10.00 10.30 am on 12 February 1998 (Salim Laskar,
personal communication, on 27 April 1988).
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