Recently a rare golden langur was killed in Assam’s Bongaigaon sparking protests demanding protection for the endangered species.

About Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei)

• Golden langurs are primates recognized by their distinctive golden fur, which changes with seasons and geography.
• They are an endangered species endemic to Western Assam (India) and Bhutan.
• Habitat
  • They inhabit the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.
  • Their habitat includes moist evergreen, tropical deciduous forests, riverine areas, and savannahs.
• Distribution Range: Found in a limited region bordered by:
  • Foothills of Bhutan (north).
  • Manas River (east).
  • Sankosh River (west).
  • Brahmaputra River (south).
• Divided into two populations:
  • Northern extended population (Larger in number) 
  • Southern fragmented population.
• Ecological Role: As frugivores, golden langurs aid seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration and ecological balance. Their presence serves as an indicator of forest health.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered.
  • CITES: Appendix I.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India): Schedule I, providing maximum legal protection.

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Threats to Golden Langurs Population

• Habitat Loss: Golden langurs face severe threats from deforestation and monoculture plantations, leading to the destruction of their natural habitat.
• Restricted Habitat: Their range is limited by natural boundaries, including the Manas River (east), Sankosh River (west), Brahmaputra River (south), and the foothills of Bhutan (north), increasing their risk of extinction.
• Habitat Fragmentation: Rural electrification projects and widespread deforestation in Assam have significantly fragmented their habitat, isolating populations.
• Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Road accidents and electrocution pose direct threats to the survival of golden langurs.
• Genetic Isolation: Obstructions like wires and forest gaps caused by felling have heightened the risk of inbreeding among golden langur populations.

Conservation Efforts

• Key Protected Habitats in Assam
  • Ripu Reserve Forest: Home to the largest population (2,847 individuals).
  • Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary: Hosts 838 individuals from the southern range.
  • Kakoijana Reserve Forest: Known for significant golden langur populations.
• Community initiatives in Assam for protection and awareness.
• Recent demands include building hanging bridges over highways and implementing traffic barricades at high-risk areas to prevent accidents.