Primates of Western Ghats - Monkeys | Loris
Five species of Monkeys and one species of Loris constitutes the order primate of Western Ghats. Apes, a prominent member of the order is absent in this area. The Monkey family (Cercopithecidae) in the Western Ghats has four species and one geographical race. It consists of two species of Macaque , two species and one geographic race of Langur. Slender Loris, the only member of the family Loridae is widely distributed in the Ghats.
Monkeys
The Genus Macaa constitutes Bonnet and Lion Tailed Macaque. The Bonnet Macaque is abundant in number but the Lion tailed Macaque is endangered as well as endemic to Western Ghats. Members of Langur are Common Langur or Hanuman Langur and Nilgiri Langur or Hooded Langur. A geographical race of Hanuman Langur called Tufted Grey Langur is also found in the leeward of South Western Ghats . Out of the said species Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur and the Tufted Grey Langur are endemic and native to Western Ghats.
Slender Loris (lydekkerianus malabaricus)
Slender Loris (lydekkerianus malabaricus) is the only species of Lemur found in Western Ghats and South India. It is a secretive nocturnal animal with lean and lanky appearance. It is distributed al over south India and Srilanka. Airalur, in Dindigal forests of Tamil Nadu in the leeward of Palani hills is the best place to spot this animal.
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We decovered Kerala over 2 weeks organized and accompanied by Benny.Our journey started with an overnight in Thattkad, then 2 days jungle trekking in the Chinnar Sanctuary, 2 nights in Munnar, then Kumarakom. : kathe
I have been travelling with KGA tours for more than 10 years.
We always use Mr Benny Kurian's company, and he has never failed to give us a wonderful experience. His knowledge of wildlife and plants is formidable. : Frances Fedden