Primates Research Paper

B. Primate Diversity All of our global biodiversity are important from biological point of view. But certain groups of species, which influence the other in the ecosystem dynamics, deserve special attention. Among these are the non-human primates- the monkeys, apes and lorises. Primates play vital role in forest ecology, as seed dispersers, seed predators and even pollinators. As canopy dwellers, primates play vital role of flagship species in woodland forest, indicating the quality of the forest. Moreover, apart from evolutionary biology, mythologically primates occupy a special position in our culture since time immortal. Out of 15 Indian primate species 9 are found in Assam. Hoolock gibbon is the only ape found in India. The other primate

Locally known as “Lajuki Bandar” they are solitary animals and obligate canopy dwellers. Because of the habitant loss and fragmentation the primates are facing serious threat to their survival. C. AVIAN DIVERSITY Assam is one of the “endemic bird areas” in the world. With 950 bird species the State is home to 53.5% of the bird species found in the Indian Sub- Continent, 17 species of birds are endemic to Assam and include Manipur Bush Quail, Marsh Babbler, Snowy throated Babbler, Tawny breasted Wren Babbler, Blyth’s Tragopan, Beautiful Sibia, Grey sibia, Black breasted Parrotbill, Chestrunt breasted partridge, Rusty breasted shortwig etc. 45 species of birds from Assam find mention in the Indian Red Data Book and include white winged wood duck, Blyth’s Tragopan, Greater Adjutant, lesser Adjutant, Leser whitefronted Goose, Merbled Teal, Beer’s Pochard, Palla’s Sea Eagle, Greater spotted Eagle, Green Peafowl, white rumped vulture, longbilled vulture etc. D. Reptilian Diversity Assam’s varied physiography and habitant conditions support a rich variety of reptilian population. Gangetic gharial, 19 species of tortoises and 77 species of snakes and lizards are found in the state. E. Amphibian Diversity Assam and other parts of the