Distribution of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) in the Inner Himalayan region of Bhutan and their mtDNA diversity

Abstract

The distributions of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) and rhesus macaques (M. mulatta) in Bhutan have been only partially documented. In order to investigate the distribution patterns of these species, we conducted field observation and genetic assessment with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) typing of macaques in the Inner Himalayas of Bhutan. There were 24 sightings of macaque groups, and all were visually identified as Assamese macaques. No groups of rhesus macaques were sighted in this survey area, in contrast with the survey results in the Nepalese Himalayas. Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Bhutan macaques are closer in proximity to their counterparts in the Indo-Chinese region (Thailand and Laos) than to rhesus macaques in China, Laos and India. However, clustering results suggested the marked differentiation of the macaques in Bhutan from the Assamese macaques in Indo-China. We tentatively conclude that the macaques of the Inner Himalayan regions in Bhutan are Assamese macaques and that they appear to be of a lineage distinct from Assamese macaques in the Indo-Chinese region (subspecies M. a. assamensis). The degree of mtDNA diversity suggests that the Assamese macaques in Bhutan are of a more ancient ancestry than M. a. assamensis, thereby supporting the speciation hypothesis of the expansion of a sinica-group of macaques from South Asia to Southeast and then to East Asia (Fooden; Fieldiana Zool 45:1-44, 1988). Assignment of Assamese macaques in Bhutan to M. a. pelops is premature due to the lack of molecular data and recent taxonomic controversy. The mtDNA diversity of Assamese macaques was greater than that of rhesus macaques, suggesting the earlier speciation of Assamese macaques. The significance of the ecogeographic segregation model of macaque distribution is discussed in relation to the evolutionary range expansion into the Himalayan regions in South Asia.

GENERAL BEHAVIOR AND VEGETATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE HABITATS OF ASSAMESE MONKEY (Macaca assamensis McClelland, 1840) ALONG KALIGANDAKI RIVER BANK, WESTERN NEPAL

“…This species has been reported from Nepal, India (Medhi et al, 2007), Bhutan (Kawamoto et al, 2006) Myanmar, Bangladesh (Menon, 2003;Chalise, 2011) Thailand, Southernmost China and Laos (Zhou et al, 2011;Timmins & Duckworth, 2013). It was recorded from North Thailand ranging 610m to 1830m asl (Sanjaya et al, 2003).…”

Ecology and Behavior of Assamese Monkeys in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal

“…2013). Besides Nepal, this species has been reported from India (Medhi et al 2007), Bhutan (Kawamoto, et al 2006) Myanmar, Bangladesh (Menon 2003, Chalise 2011) Thailand, and southernmost China and Laos (Zhou et al 2011, Timmins andDuckworth 2013).…”

A Review of François' Leaf MonkeyTrachypithecus francoisi(sensu lato) in Lao PDR

“…2010). Kawamoto et al (2006) recorded a pet Assamese macaque of unknown origin from Pakxe (15°07'N, 105°48'E), in the lowlands just west of the Bolaven plateau; but Pakxe is enough of a trading node that this should not be assumed to have been taken locally.…”

“…Fooden's (1982) comprehensive review found most records from 150-1,900 m, with some up to 2,750 m (extended to 3,100 m by Fooden 1986), and a single, disjunct, record from sea-level (see below). A recent survey in Bhutan found Assamese macaques down to 600 m (Kawamoto et al 2006); Choudhury (2008) referred to occurrences as low as 100 m but neither detailed records traced by Fooden (1982Fooden ( , 1986 were almost solely in mid-and high-elevation forest, with the lower hill records coming from South Asia. Consistent with Fooden's (1982) conclusions, Ruggeri and Timmins (1997: 1) wrote that in the southern two-thirds of Lao PDR, "[Assamese macaque is] found predominantly in the evergreen forests of the Annamites [mountains]" but continued "it appears to be the most common species of macaque within areas of karst."…”