Shillong, Dec 23: Garo Hills in Meghalaya boasts of the highest primate diversity among the state’s community reserves (CRs), a study conducted by researchers from the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History reveals.

The study published in Folia Primatologica journal sheds light on the critical role these community-managed forests play in conserving primates in one of India’s most biodiverse regions.

The Study: Unlocking Meghalaya’s Primate Secrets

The study, funded by the National Mission on Himalayan Studies under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, surveyed 32 CRs across the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills. Researchers Sanyukta P. Kasbekar, Honnavalli N. Kumara, Siddhesh Sitaram Bhor, S. Babu, and P.V. Karunakaran employed trail surveys, camera traps, and community interviews to investigate primate populations and their interactions with humans.

Their findings confirm that the Garo Hills, with their dense canopy cover and larger reserve sizes, harbor the greatest primate diversity. In contrast, many CRs in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills reported limited or no primate presence, underlining the critical need for targeted conservation efforts.

The Stars of the Canopy

Six species of primates were documented, including the endangered Western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) and capped langur (Trachypithecus pileatus), which thrived in reserves with dense forest cover and significant canopy height. However, not all species fared equally well. While Assamese macaques and Northern pig-tailed macaques showed adaptability to disturbed habitats, they remained vulnerable to hunting pressures.

The Western hoolock gibbon, found in 10 CRs, emerged as a keystone species, its presence linked to larger, well-vegetated reserves. This underscores the importance of maintaining contiguous canopy cover to support the survival of these primates.

Human-Primate Interactions: A Balancing Act

Through interviews with 200 households, the study uncovered a complex relationship between local communities and primates. While cultural taboos protect species like gibbons and slow lorises from hunting, macaques face significant threats due to their crop-raiding behavior. Despite legal protections, hunting persists, driven by conflict and consumption.

The findings highlight the urgent need for education and community engagement to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and promote coexistence.

What Lies Ahead: Conservation Challenges and Solutions

Meghalaya’s CRs are vital for primate conservation but face mounting challenges, including habitat degradation, small reserve sizes, and hunting. Drawing inspiration from global success stories, the researchers advocate for habitat restoration, stronger enforcement, and community-led conservation initiatives.

With immediate action, the rich biodiversity of Meghalaya’s community reserves can be preserved for future generations. The Garo Hills stand as a beacon of hope, showcasing what is possible when local communities and science unite to protect wildlife.

A Call to Protect Meghalaya’s Natural Heritage

The study by Kasbekar and her team is a stark reminder of the fragility of biodiversity in Meghalaya’s CRs. It also offers hope: with informed management and active community participation, these reserves can become thriving sanctuaries for some of India’s most threatened primates.

Also Read: Meghalaya Loses 84.07 sq km Forest Cover: Northeast Records 327.30 sq km Decline

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