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Source-This post on golden langurs has been created based on the article “7,396 golden langurs in India, reveals survey” published in “The Hindu” on 8 March 2024.
Why in the news?
The latest survey of the primate has revealed that there are an estimated 7,396 golden langurs in India.
About Golden langurs
Aspect | Details |
Description | It is an Old World monkey found in a small region of Western Assam, India and in the neighbouring foothills of the Black Mountains of Bhutan |
Characteristics | 1) They are most easily recognized by the colour of their fur, after which they are named. 2) They are highly dependent on trees, living in the upper canopy of forests. They are also known as leaf monkeys. |
Habitat | It is endemic to western Assam, India, and southern Bhutan. Their habitat is restricted to the region surrounded by four geographical landmarks: the foothills of Bhutan (North), Manas river (East), Sankosh river (West), and Brahmaputra river (South). |
Population distribution | The northern extended population, which encompasses the western part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve. It extends from the Sankosh River to the Manas river up to the India-Bhutan border. |
Protection status | IUCN List of Threatened Species: Endangered Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix I Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 : Schedule I |
Threats | 1) Restricted Habitat-Their habitat is restricted by natural boundaries, further increasing the threat of extinction. 2) Habitat Fragmentation-Their habitat in Assam has fragmented drastically, especially after a thrust on rural electrification and massive deforestation. 3) Inbreeding-Obstructions such as wires, and gaps in the forest due to felling, have increased the threat of inbreeding among golden langurs. |
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