GOLDEN LANGURS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, the latest survey conducted by the Primate Research Centre NE India (PRCNE) and Assam Forest Department revealed that there are an estimated 7,396 golden langurs in India.

Golden Langurs 

• About: These are easily identified by the distinct color of their fur, which serves as the basis for their name.
• Seasonal Fur Changes: Observations indicate that the fur of Golden Langurs undergoes color changes corresponding to the seasons.
• Distinctive Young Appearance: Young Golden Langurs exhibit a nearly pure white fur, distinguishing them from the adults.
• Geographic Range: Assam and Bhutan

oGolden Langurs inhabit the regions of Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan, residing there throughout the year.

oThe habitat of Golden Langurs is delimited by four geographical landmarks: the Bhutan foothills (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).

• Found: Moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, riverine areas, and savannas, showing adaptability to different environments in Assam and Bhutan.
• Conservation status

oIUCN: Endangered

oCITES: Appendix I

oWildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

Key Points of Survey

• Areas surveyed: Ripu Reserved Forest, recently upgraded to Raimona National Park, Chirang Reserve Forest, Manas Reserve Forest, and Manas National Park up to the western bank of the Manas River.
• Population Observation: During the survey, 7,720 individuals of golden langurs were observed.

oThese individuals were observed in 706 unique groups and 31 lone males or floating males.

• Minimum Population Estimation: The estimated minimum population size of golden langurs was found to be 7,396 individuals.

oThese individuals were distributed in 707 groups, inclusive of bisexual and male bands, along with 31 lone males, according to Jihosuo Biswas.