Nicobar long-tailed macaque faces extinction from habitat destruction

A major infrastructure project on Great Nicobar Island in India is causing concern among primatologists. The project, which is expected to cost Rs.81,000 crore, will clear over a million trees. This could put the Nicobar long-tailed macaque at risk. This unique monkey species lives only on the Nicobar Islands. The Association of Indian Primatologists (AIP) warns that no current wildlife conservation plan can prevent the large-scale deforestation caused by the project. They stress that 27 macaque groups will be directly impacted, leading to serious vulnerabilities for the species. The project includes a transshipment terminal, an airport, and a new township. The AIP fears that habitat loss is already threatening the macaques, which rely on a diet of crabs, insects, fruits, and flowers. They have faced ongoing challenges, including habitat loss, disease, and climate change effects. A compliance report by the project’s developers, ANIIDCO, claims a conservation plan is in place for the macaques. However, the AIP doubts this plan can adequately protect the species. The association points out that the macaques struggle with high temperatures and that deforestation will worsen food shortages. Experts say that conservation efforts are hindered by a lack of research on the macques. Key data about their population, genetics, and health is still missing. The AIP argues that if the unique biodiversity of the Nicobar Islands was truly valued, the project would have been stopped in its planning stages. They also criticize project managers for treating biodiversity as an afterthought. There are fears that the macaques could face functional extinction, losing their ecological role if habitat changes continue. The situation is seen as a warning about the broader impact of ignoring environmental concerns in large development plans.