Zoo & Aquarium

Zoo Lion-Tailed Macaque Forest Welfare

Lion-tailed macaques are endangered Indian rainforest primates whose welfare requires forested enclosure design reflecting their arboreal and ground-level dual lifestyle.

Key Facts

Lion-tailed macaques restricted to fragmented rainforest fragments in Western Ghats
Endangered due to extensive deforestation for tea, coffee and agriculture
Social groups of 10-20 individuals with complex hierarchies
Use both forest canopy and ground level across large home ranges
Distinctive silver mane gives them their common name

Welfare Considerations

Enclosures must provide both height for arboreal activities and sufficient ground area for foraging and social interactions. Lion-tailed macaques in barren enclosures show high rates of stereotypic behaviour indicating poor welfare.

What You Can Do

Support Western Ghats corridor conservation for wild populations
Visit accredited zoos with naturalised lion-tailed macaque habitats
Donate to Wildlife Conservation Society Western Ghats programmes
Advocate for forest corridor restoration connecting fragmented populations