Today we will talk about golden langur that is finding it challenging to presently find suitable habitats. You would be astonished to know that the golden langur was first formally found by naturalist and tea planter E.P. Gee in 1953. It was found on the Manas river’s east bank on the border of Bhutan and Assam. A recent study on habitat suitability of the golden langur has found that 13% of the present habitat will be suitable for the golden langur species by 2031. Currently, the present habitat is up to 18%.
Langur kept as illegal pet to shoo away monkeys rescued in Agra
It is saddening to note how the habitat is slowly declining and is going through isolation all over its range, particularly in Assam. This is seen as a danger to the primate species of golden langur. Also, it is noted that the golden langur is listed among the 25 most endangered primates in the world.
Todywalla Classical Indian Art Auction Preview at the Habitat Center
In India, the isolated populations of the golden langur species reside in the Chirang, Dhubri, Kokrajhar, and Bongaigaon districts of the state of Assam. The golden langur lives in the Brahmaputra valley in semi-evergreen forest areas whereas, in Bhutan, it survives in Himalayan broadleaf forests. The shrinkage of suitable habitats and scattered ranges are a matter of concern for the future of the golden langur.
The endangered species’ fate in the near future prompts conservation measures for the golden langur. The population of the endangered species is categorized into two parts. One big continuous population in Bhutan and one scattered population in India within different forest patches. These forest patches are protected in a rare manner and moreover, rapid deforestation, and illegal logging have removed most of the forest covers in the areas of Western Assam such as Dhubri, Kokrajhar, and Bongaigaon, etc.
However, the study did not include the human views about the species which may also vary. For example, it has been estimated that some of the currently occupied suitable areas will be shrunk in size however, the people’s attitude towards the surrounding area keeps positive for the species’ conversation and what would be the population of the golden langur.
Gee’s golden langur is also known as an Old World monkey. Apart from being found in the small area of Western Assam in India and in the nearby foothills of the Black Mountains of Bhutan. The golden langur has a black face and tail up to 50 cm in length. The golden langur resides in high trees and is one of the most endangered primate species of Bhutan and IndiaGolden langur’s long-term survival is based on genetic exchange.
It is endemic to northeast India and Bhutan. Kakoijana Reserve Forest is one of the renowned habitats of the golden langur. Golden langur is also known as leaf monkeys. They are mostly found by the color of their fur. It has been seen that the colors of the fur change as per the seasons and geographies. The color of the young golden langur also varies from adult golden langur which appears mostly pure white. The golden langur is majorly based on trees and they reside in the upper canopy of forests.
