Recently a paper titled “Future simulated landscape predicts habitat loss for the golden langur: a range-level analysis for an endangered primate” was published by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
- The paper suggests a significant decline in the habitat of the golden langur (Trachypithecus geei).
- Out of the total range extent (66,320 square km), only 12,265 square km (18.49%) is suitable for the species at present, which will further be reduced to 8,884 square km by the year 2031.
- These suitable habitats are largely scattered and fragmented in southern range of the species.
Golden Langur Habitats
- The Golden Langur is an endangered primate species distributed in the trans-boundary region of Bhutan and India.
- Golden langurs are easily recognised by the colour of their fur, and are distributed in the forested habitats of Tsirang, Sarpang, Zhemgang and Trongsa districts of Bhutan.
- In India, fragmented and isolated populations of the species are distributed in Chirang, Kokrajhar, Dhubri and Bongaigaon districts of Assam.
- Most of the southern populations in Assam are currently distributed in reserve forests that are under higher levels of anthropogenic pressures.
- Recently, villagers near the Kakoijana Reserve Forest in Assam’s Bongaigaon district opposed the State government’s decision to earmark the area as a wildlife sanctuary.
- Recent community conservation programmes by the government yielded positive results for the golden langur population of Manas National Park, fragmented and isolated populations are still severely threatened.
(Source: TH)
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