In which of the following states is lion-tailed macaque found in its natural habitats? 1. Tamil Nadu 2. Kerala 3. Karnataka 4. Andhra Pradesh Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. Biodiversity Hotspots and Endemism (basic)

To understand why we protect certain areas over others, we must first master the concept of Endemism. An endemic species is one that is naturally found in a specific geographic area—be it a mountain range, an island, or a country—and nowhere else in the world Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India, p.108. India is a powerhouse of endemism; for instance, nearly 62% of our amphibians and 50% of our lizards are unique to our borders Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), BIODIVERSITY, p.23. Because these species have very restricted distributions and specific ecological requirements, they are incredibly vulnerable. If their specific habitat is destroyed, they don't just move elsewhere—they go extinct. Building on this, the British ecologist Norman Myers developed the concept of Biodiversity Hotspots. These are not just areas with 'lots of animals'; they are regions of high conservation priority characterized by extreme biological richness under siege Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), BIODIVERSITY, p.5. To be designated a 'Hotspot,' a region must meet two strict quantitative criteria:

Criteria	Requirement
Endemism (Biological Richness)	It must contain at least 1,500 species of vascular plants (approx. 0.5% of the world's total) as endemics.
Degree of Threat	It must have lost at least 70% of its original primary vegetation.

A classic example is the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka hotspot. This region is home to unique species like the Lion-tailed Macaque, which is strictly confined to the evergreen forest patches of the southern Western Ghats Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), BIODIVERSITY, p.9. Despite its richness, the hotspot faces immense pressure from urbanization and agricultural encroachment, making it a global priority for conservation.

Sources: Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India, p.108; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), BIODIVERSITY, p.23; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), BIODIVERSITY, p.5; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), BIODIVERSITY, p.9

2. Ecological Divide: Western Ghats vs. Eastern Ghats (basic)

To understand why certain species are found only in specific parts of India, we must first look at the Ecological Divide between the Western and Eastern Ghats. These two mountain ranges flank the Peninsular plateau, but they are worlds apart in terms of climate and structure. The Western Ghats (or Sahyadris) act as a continuous wall along the Arabian Sea. They are significantly higher than their eastern counterparts, with an average elevation of 900–1600 metres, compared to just 600 metres for the Eastern Ghats NCERT Class IX, Physical Features of India, p.12.

This height difference is crucial for biodiversity. The Western Ghats intercept the moisture-laden monsoon winds, forcing them to rise and cool—a process known as orographic rainfall. This results in heavy precipitation (often over 200 cm) on the western slopes, supporting lush Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Class XI, Natural Vegetation, p.42. In contrast, the Eastern Ghats are lower, discontinuous, and heavily dissected by major rivers like the Mahanadi and Godavari that drain into the Bay of Bengal. Because they do not block the monsoon winds as effectively, they are much drier, dominated largely by Moist and Dry Deciduous Forests Majid Hussain, Environment and Ecology, BIODIVERSITY, p.21.

A unique feature of the southern Western Ghats is the Shola forest ecosystem—stunted evergreen patches found in high-altitude valleys, particularly in the Nilgiris, Anaimalai, and Palani hills Shankar IAS, Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape, p.159. While the two ranges eventually meet at the Nilgiri Hills, the Western Ghats remain a primary biodiversity hotspot because their consistent humidity and multi-layered canopy (stratification) provide a stable home for sensitive species that cannot survive in the drier, more open woodlands of the Eastern Ghats.

Feature	Western Ghats	Eastern Ghats
Continuity	Continuous; crossed only through passes (Thal, Bhor, Pal Ghats).	Discontinuous; eroded and cut by east-flowing rivers.
Rainfall Type	High Orographic rainfall (Western slopes).	Lower rainfall; mostly rain-shadow or seasonal.
Primary Vegetation	Tropical Evergreen & Semi-Evergreen.	Tropical Deciduous (Moist & Dry).

Sources: CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I, Geography, Class IX. NCERT, Physical Features of India, p.12; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain, BIODIVERSITY, p.21; Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Indian Biodiversity Diverse Landscape, p.159; INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT), Natural Vegetation, p.42

3. Environmental Legislation: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (intermediate)

The Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA) of 1972 is the bedrock of conservation in India. Before its enactment, wildlife was primarily a 'State' subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution (List II, Entry 9). This meant laws varied by state, making it difficult to tackle national poaching and trade issues. To create a uniform law, the Parliament exercised its power under Articles 249, 250, and 253 to pass this landmark legislation Shankar IAS Academy, Environment, p.211. In 1976, through the 42nd Amendment, 'Forests' and 'Protection of Wild Animals and Birds' were moved to the Concurrent List, giving both the Union and States power to legislate, though the WPA remains the supreme guiding framework. At the heart of the Act is a hierarchical protection system using Schedules. These lists categorize fauna based on their conservation status and the level of threat they face Shankar IAS Academy, Environment, p.212. While the Act has evolved over decades—adding wild animals in 1987 and specified plants in 1990—its primary goal remains the prohibition of poaching, smuggling, and illegal trade of listed species Shankar IAS Academy, Environment, p.171. One of the most significant shifts in the Act's history occurred with the 1991 Amendment. Previously, State Governments had broader discretion in managing wildlife. However, this amendment almost totally withdrew the power of State Governments to declare any wild animal as 'vermin' (animals that can be hunted because they pose a threat to crops or humans) Shankar IAS Academy, Environment, p.212. Today, the central government holds significant sway over these declarations, ensuring that local interests do not compromise the survival of threatened species.

Schedule Type	Degree of Protection	Legal Consequence
Schedule I & Part II of II	Absolute Protection	Highest penalties and strictly prohibited hunting.
Schedule III & IV	High Protection	Protected, but penalties are lower than Schedule I.
Schedule V	Vermin	Animals like common crows or fruit bats that could historically be hunted.

Sources: Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Protected Area Network, p.211; Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Protected Area Network, p.212; Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Schedule Animals of WPA 1972, p.171

4. Protected Areas: The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (intermediate)

The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) holds a prestigious place in India's conservation history as the first biosphere reserve established in the country in 1986 Geography of India, Majid Husain, Chapter 5, p.49. Located in the majestic Western Ghats, it serves as a critical "ecological bridge" where the Western and Eastern Ghats meet. This unique positioning creates a diverse range of ecosystems, from dry deciduous forests to the lush evergreen rainforests of the Silent Valley, which was famously saved from a hydroelectric project to protect its immense biodiversity Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain, Chapter 6, p.122.

Geographically, the NBR is a tri-state protected area, spanning across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It encompasses several iconic National Parks and Sanctuaries, including Bandipur, Nagarhole, Mudumalai, and Silent Valley. Because of its outstanding universal value, it was included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in the year 2000 Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain, Chapter 4, p.37. The reserve covers an expansive area of approximately 5,520 square kilometers, making it a massive contiguous habitat for wildlife movement.

The NBR is most famous for protecting two highly threatened and endemic species: the Lion-tailed macaque (an arboreal primate of the rainforests) and the Nilgiri Tahr (a mountain goat) Geography of India, Majid Husain, Chapter 5, p.49. The Lion-tailed macaque, in particular, is a specialist species that relies on the dense, undisturbed evergreen canopies found in pockets like Silent Valley. Unlike more adaptable primates, it cannot survive in the drier Eastern Ghats or the scrub forests of states like Andhra Pradesh.

Sources: Geography of India, Natural Vegetation and National Parks, p.49; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain, BIODIVERSITY, p.37; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain, Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India, p.122

5. Primate Diversity and Arboreal Species in India (exam-level)

India’s primate diversity is a testament to its unique evolutionary geography, primarily concentrated in two biodiversity hotspots: the Western Ghats and the Northeast Himalayas. To understand these species, we must first look at their arboreal nature—meaning they spend the vast majority of their lives in the forest canopy. This specialized lifestyle makes them highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation. While common species like the Rhesus Macaque are widespread, India is home to rare endemics such as the Hoolock Gibbon, which holds the distinction of being the only ape found in India, specifically across the lush forests of the Northeast Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Animal Diversity of India, p.192. In the southern reaches of the country, the Western Ghats serve as a critical refuge for specialized primates like the Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) and the Nilgiri Langur. These species are strictly confined to evergreen and semi-evergreen forest patches. The Lion-tailed Macaque, easily identified by its silver-white mane, is endemic to the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It is notably absent from the Eastern Ghats (such as in Andhra Pradesh) because that region lacks the continuous, high-rainfall evergreen canopy these macaques require for survival Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Schedule Animals of WPA 1972, p.178. Conversely, the Northeast region hosts a different suite of primates, such as the Capped Langur and the Golden Langur. The Capped Langur's range extends across the Brahmaputra valley, including states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, where it thrives in broadleaf and bamboo forests Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Schedule Animals of WPA 1972, p.184. This regional segregation—Western Ghats vs. Northeast—is a key concept in Indian biogeography, as shown in the table below:

Region	Key Primate Species	Primary Habitat
Western Ghats	Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur	Tropical Evergreen Rainforests
Northeast India	Hoolock Gibbon, Capped Langur	Sub-tropical Broadleaf & Bamboo Forests

Sources: Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Animal Diversity of India, p.192; Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Schedule Animals of WPA 1972, p.178; Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, Schedule Animals of WPA 1972, p.184

6. The Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) (exam-level)

The Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) is one of India's most iconic and endangered primates. Often called the "Old Man of the Forest" due to its distinctive silver-white mane that surrounds its face, this species is a specialist—meaning it has very specific habitat requirements. Unlike many other macaques that adapt well to human environments, the Lion-tailed Macaque is shy and strictly arboreal (tree-dwelling), spending the majority of its life in the upper canopy of tropical evergreen rainforests.

Geographically, this primate is endemic to the Western Ghats of South India. Its natural range is restricted to fragmented patches of evergreen forests across three states: Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. You will primarily find them in protected regions like the Silent Valley National Park (Kerala), which is perhaps their most famous stronghold, and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is important to note that they are not found in the Eastern Ghats or states like Andhra Pradesh, as those regions lack the dense, high-rainfall rainforest ecosystem these monkeys require to survive.

Feature	Details of Lion-tailed Macaque
IUCN Red List Status	Endangered Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), BIODIVERSITY, p.11
Legal Protection	Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), Biodiversity and Legislations, p.13
Key Characteristics	Silver-white mane; black fur; tufted tail similar to a lion; frugivorous (fruit-eating).

The survival of the Lion-tailed Macaque is a litmus test for the health of the Western Ghats. Their populations are highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation. Because they rarely travel on the ground, the clearing of forest for tea, coffee, or teak plantations creates "islands" of forest that the macaques cannot cross, leading to genetic isolation. Furthermore, they have a very low reproductive rate (a female may give birth only once every few years), making it difficult for their numbers to bounce back once they decline Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India, p.82.

Sources: Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), BIODIVERSITY, p.11; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), Biodiversity and Legislations, p.13; Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.), Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India, p.82

7. Solving the Original PYQ (exam-level)

This question perfectly synthesizes your knowledge of biomes and endemism. You previously learned that certain species are strictly limited to specific ecological niches; the Lion-tailed macaque is the definitive indicator species for the tropical evergreen rainforests of the Western Ghats. When you see this species, your mind should immediately map it to the high-rainfall, dense canopy regions of South-West India rather than the general geography of South India. As noted in Environment, Shankar IAS Academy, its survival is inextricably tied to the health of these specific, often fragmented, forest patches.

To arrive at the correct answer, (A) 1, 2 and 3 only, you must apply a geographical filter to your ecological knowledge. The Western Ghats mountain range runs through Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, and these three states share the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is the primary stronghold for this primate. Reasoning through the map, you know that Andhra Pradesh primarily hosts the Eastern Ghats. This region consists largely of dry deciduous forests and lacks the continuous, humid evergreen canopy required for the macaque's strictly arboreal (tree-dwelling) lifestyle. As highlighted in Geography of India, Majid Husain, the natural vegetation of the Eastern Ghats simply does not support this specific ecosystem.

UPSC often uses Andhra Pradesh as a classic "geographical trap" to tempt students into selecting Option (D). Many candidates mistakenly assume that if a species is found in three major southern states, it must be found in the fourth. However, biological boundaries are determined by rainfall and vegetation, not state borders. By identifying that the macaque is an endemic species of the Western Ghats, you can confidently eliminate any state that belongs predominantly to the Eastern Ghats or the drier Deccan Plateau, steering clear of the over-generalization trap often found in Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain.