Dermatological disorders in free ranging primates

The Hanuman langur (Semnopithecus entellus) and rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) are widely distributed non human primates of Indian sub-continent found in variety of ecological conditions. Due to loss of their natural habitats, their numbers are decreasing in forests and increasing near human habitations and religious places due to provisioning, protection and lack of natural predators. During BBC filming and retroviral studies on these primates, a number of hanuman langurs and rhesus macaqes were found suffering from skin affections. The affection spreads gradually to other troop members due to social grooming behavior and physical interactions. Although such skin disorders can be easily treated, but absence of treatment leads to high severity and increased chance of animal deaths.