A northern pig-tailed macaque spotted in Satchari National Park in Habiganj. A matriarchal and arboreal species, it can be found in forested areas in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. It is a frugivorous primate, meaning it feeds mainly on fruits.

PHOTO: TIMU HOSSAIN

However, due to its adaptability, it can alter its diet depending on the environment. Northern pig-tailed macaques play an important role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds from over 100 species of plants. However, despite their ecological importance, their numbers have been declining for years. While they are susceptible to various diseases, such as HIV and coronavirus, they are also victims of hunting, poaching, agricultural expansions, illegal pet trade, habitat loss, and more such debilitating human impacts.

According to the IUCN Red List, the species is vulnerable and declining throughout its range, while some researches suggest that in Bangladesh, they are already critically endangered and in urgent need of conservation.