The Sela macaque (Macaca selai) is a distinct phylogenetic species that evolved from the Arunachal macaque following allopatric speciation

Abstract

Arunachal macaque (M. munzala) is an endangered and recently discovered cercopithecine primate from Western Arunachal Pradesh, India. On genetic analyses of Arunachal macaques, we observed spatially distributed substantial inter-species genetic divergence among the samples collected from Arunachal Pradesh. The results suggested that Arunachal macaque evolved into two phylogenetic species about 1.96 mya following allopatric speciation by means of Sela mountain pass in Arunachal Pradesh, India. We describe - Sela macaque (M. selai) as a new macaque species that interestingly exhibited high intra-specific genetic variation and also harbors at least two conservation units. Further, we report the past demographic trajectories and quantify genetic variation required for taxonomic clarification. The present study also identifies gap areas for undertaking surveys to document the relic and unknown trans-boundary populations of macaques through multinational, multi-lateral cross border collaboration.

Keywords: Allopatric speciation; Arunachal macaque; Eastern Himalayas; Sela macaque; Sela mountain pass; Taxonomic revision.