Distribution ofMacaca ochreataand Identification of MixedOchreata-TonkeanaGroups in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Functional divergence of the pigmentation gene melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) in six endemic Macaca species on Sulawesi Island

Coat color is often highly variable within and between animal taxa. Among hundreds of pigmentation-related genes, melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) plays key roles in regulating the synthesis of the dark eumelanin and the red–yellow pheomelanin. The six species of macaques that inhabit Sulawesi Island diverged rapidly from their common ancestor, M. nemestrina. Unlike most macaques, Sulawesi macaques commonly have a dark coat color, with divergence in shade and color pattern. To clarify the genetic and evolutionary basis for coat color in Sulawesi macaques, we investigated the MC1R sequences and functional properties, including basal cAMP production and α-MSH-induced activity in vitro. We found fixed non-synonymous substitutions in MC1R in each species. Furthermore, we found that six species-specific variants corresponded with variation in agonist-induced and basal activity of MC1R. Inconsistent with the dark coat color, four substitutions independently caused decreases in the basal activity of MC1R in M. hecki, M. nigra, M. tonkeana, and M. ochreata. Selective analysis suggested MC1R of M. nigra and M. nigrescens underwent purifying selection. Overall, our results suggest that fixed differences in MC1R resulted in different functional characteristics and might contribute to divergence in color among the six Sulawesi macaque species.

A new report on mixed species association between Nilgiri Langurs Semnopithecus johnii and Tufted Grey Langurs S. priam (Primates: Cercopithecidae) in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats, India

Phylogenetic conservatism or rapid anthropogenic habitat modifications could increase the incidences of interspecific associations of Hanuman and Nilgiri langurs (Family: Cercopithecidae, subfamily: Colobinae) in the southern Western Ghats.  Opportunistic surveys were conducted at the Silent Valley National Park, Kerala and around Devimalai Ghats, Tamil Nadu for  Tufted Grey-Nilgiri Langur association. Based on the observations from Researchers, field assistants, forest staff, and local people, the data in terms of the time of the sighting, number of individuals, phenotypes of individuals, and the time the interaction lasted, were recorded.  The study reports data on a troop of Nilgiri Langurs (N=13) around O Valley tea estate at Devimalai Ghat, Gudalur, Tamil Nadu with some hybrid looking individuals and a Tufted female Grey Langur amongst them. A total of six  and two uni-male troops of Nilgiri Langurs  and grey langurs respectively with Tufted female Grey Langurs, and aberrant coat colored infants observed at the Neelikkal section of Silent Valley National Park are also reported. The study reasonably speculates that there could be more such locations in the southern western ghats and emphasizes the need for more systematic surveys to understand  and explore the ecology, behavior, molecular, and other likely factors contributing to the conservation of vulnerable Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii) populations.

Size and structure of the southernmost population of the Endangered Barbary macaque Macaca sylvanus in the western Moroccan High Atlas

The Barbary macaque Macaca sylvanus is imperiled throughout its distribution range in north-west Africa. In the summers of 2009 and 2013 we used the piecewise line-transect distance sampling method to study the southernmost population in the High Ourika valley, in the western High Atlas of Morocco. This rugged mountainous area is dominated by degraded fruit-poor environments, mostly holm oak Quercus rotundifolia forest patches. We located four and two groups in 2009 and 2013, respectively, and estimated population sizes of 122 and 84 individuals. The mean group size was 12 individuals in 2009 and 46 in 2013. The estimated mean density (individuals per km2) varied among groups (10–171), with a mean of 27. The population structure varied significantly among groups and years. Our records comprised 24.8 and 20% adult males, 24.8 and 22% adult females, 11 and 13% subadults, 13 and 17% juveniles and 26.4 and 26.3% infants in 2009 and 2013, respectively. In both years 50–56% of the population consisted of young individuals (subadults excluded). The mean sex ratio among adults was 1 : 1. The apparent fecundity rate was 1.06 infants per adult female. We propose conservation actions to protect this peripheral population of Barbary macaques.