Title
Distribution and habitat of Assamese Macaque Macaca assamensis in Lao PDR, including its use of low-altitude karsts
Author(s)
Timmins, R.J.;Duckworth, J. W.
Published
2011
Publisher
Primate Conservation
Abstract
The distribution and ecology of Assamese macaque Macaca assamensis remains little studied in South-east Asia. This
review collates historical and recent records to clarify its range and habitat use in Lao PDR. Contrary to many standard sources
limiting Assamese macaque’s range to the north and center of the country, it occurs well into the southern part. In the country’s
three physiographic units, it is widespread in the northern highlands and the Annamite range, but seems absent from the Mekong
plain. Most records are from hill evergreen forest above 500 m, consistent with standard literature, but the species occurs down to
plains level (200 m) on karsts (at least in areas south of 16°58'N). The few records from below 500 m off karst are all in rugged
terrain, but even so non-karst rugged land below 500 m seems to be only rarely used. Ecological overlap with northern pig-tailed
macaque M. leonina and with Rhesus macaque M. mulatta is very limited in Lao PDR. In the long-term, hunting and forest
encroachment may threaten Assamese macaque in Lao PDR, but it is much less imminently at risk in the country than are most
gibbon and colobine species.
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PUB14854