KOKRAJHAR, Nov 21 ? The golden langur (Presbytis geei), a critically endangered primate species found only in a few select parts of Assam and Bhutan, is waging a grim battle for survival ? thanks to the rapid degradation and fragmentation of its habitat.
Listed in the IUCN Red Data Book 2003 as ?globally endangered,? the golden langur?s habitat is restricted by the Brahmaputra on the south, and by the Sonkosh and the Manas on the west and the east respectively. At present its population is estimated to be around 5,000, spread over the habitats in Assam and Bhutan, according to a recent survey conducted by Dr J Biswas, a researcher.
Apart from the jungles along the Indo-Bhutan border (Manas National Park and Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan) that constitute its major habitat, the golden langur is also found at a few small pockets in Chakrashila sanctuary, Kakoijana reserve forest (RF), Nadangiri RF, Khatrigocha RF, Bhumeswar proposed RF, Bamungaon RF, Nagkati RF, and Bhairabipahar proposed RF.
But experts are not much optimistic about the chances of its survival in these RFs and PRFs, given the rapid shrinkage of the forest cover over the years. Some, however, see a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered langur through community participation in conservation, especially in protection of its habitat.
?No doubt, rampant destruction and fragmentation of habitat is pushing the golden langur to the brink, but effective community participation in preservation of its habitat can definitely boost its survival prospects,? Dr Robert H Horwich, renowned primatologist and Director, Community Conservation, Inc., told The Assam Tribune.
Dr Horwich, who was the chief guest at a seminar on ?Biodiversity conservation with special reference to golden langur protection,? held at the Kokrajhar College, seemed enthusiastic about the awareness level of the local people about the need to protect the golden langur and its habitat. ?I have been working with the people here for several years now, and I can say that there have been better awareness and motivation among them regarding protection of the golden langur,? he said.
Dr J Biswas, a research scholar who has been studying the langur for a couple of years, was of the view that fragmentation and degradation of its habitat had led to a complete stop in the langur?s natural migration, often forcing it to settle in small groups in village forests. He feared that this halt in migration might lead to in-breeding among the langurs and cause genetic bottleneck.
Though not normally given to raiding crops, those living near human settlements have now started to invade crops, and the consequent conflict is having disastrous consequences for the langur. Besides, poaching, road accidents, fatal attack by dogs, electrocution, etc., have also emerged as major threats to the survival of the golden langur.
When the golden langur was discovered by EP Gee in the 1950s, it was thought to be restricted along the Assam-Bhutan border, but later it was found at a number of isolated habitats in the districts of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon and Dhubri. Originally the entire area used to form a single habitat for the golden langur. But now except those living in Manas, none has a link with the Bhutan population.