Arunachal macaque (Macaca munzala)

The taxon was recognized in modern science after photographic discovery in 1997 by primatologist Anwaruddin Choudhury and formally described as a new species in 2005 by researchers from the Nature Conservation Foundation, India. Its scientific name, Macaca munzala, derives from the Monpa vernacular compound mun zala, interpreted in the sources as meaning 'deep‑forest (mun) monkey (zala)', which situates the animal conceptually with remote, high‑altitude forest habitat.

The Arunachal macaque is described as a relatively large, compactly built brown macaque with a comparatively short tail and a very dark face. It is physically similar to Assamese (M. assamensis) and Tibetan (M. thibetana) macaques, and molecular studies indicate closer genetic affinity with the bonnet macaque (M. radiata). The species is adapted to montane life at elevations of roughly 2,000–3,500 m.

Sources present ecological and demographic information rather than supernatural powers. The species inhabits deep montane and alpine‑edge forests, forages in those habitats and at times raids cultivated crops, leading to local persecution in some areas. Survey data report at least 569 individuals in 35 troops within Arunachal survey areas cited. Genetic studies indicate a post‑glacial population expansion around ~15,000 years before present and a pronounced Holocene decline approximately 3,500 years ago, possibly linked to anthropogenic pressures such as hunting. The species is assessed as Endangered in conservation literature cited by the sources.