Golden Langurs in Assam Face Habitat Loss and Road Dangers
The golden langur species in Assam are facing serious habitat loss and population decline due to deforestation. Dr. Jihosuo Biswas, a senior primatologist at Primate Research Centre Northeast India, explained that deforestation, conversion of forests into farmland, and human settlements are the main causes. The golden langur, an arboreal primate, is found in the Indo-Bhutan border, primarily in western Assam and south-central Bhutan.
In India, over half of the golden langur’s habitat has disappeared, especially in the Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon districts of Assam. Dr. Biswas noted that this has led to fragmented forests, causing high mortality from road accidents, predators, and increased physiological stress. The lack of connectedness due to infrastructure development forces golden langurs to cross roads, leading to road kills and other hazards.
Since 2013, there have been recorded instances of road kills, electric hazards, and parasitic prevalence in golden langurs in areas like Nadangiri RF, Nayekgaon PRF-Rubber Garden-Baxamara-Amguri, and Chakrashilla WLS. A study on road crossing behaviors revealed that golden langurs often cross roads at ground level, risking encounters with vehicles.
To minimize accidents, artificial canopy bridges were constructed in the Nayekgaon-Rubber Garden-Baxamara-Amguri forest complex. These bridges, made from HDPE pipes and plastic ropes, provide a safer route for golden langurs. Despite initial hesitation, the langurs eventually started using these bridges.
Between June 2022 and February 2024, seventeen road collision incidents were documented along the SH-14 road, resulting in six fatalities and several injuries. To support the golden langur population, local communities were involved in planting trees to restore natural corridors, facilitating future population exchange in the forest complex.
Doubts Revealed
Golden Langurs -: Golden langurs are a type of monkey with golden-colored fur. They live in trees and are found in parts of India, especially in Assam.
Assam -: Assam is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its tea gardens, wildlife, and the Brahmaputra River.
Habitat Loss -: Habitat loss means that the places where animals live, like forests, are being destroyed. This can happen because of cutting down trees or building roads.
Deforestation -: Deforestation is when large areas of trees are cut down. This can harm animals that live in the forest because they lose their homes.
Human Activities -: Human activities are things people do, like farming, building houses, or making roads. These activities can sometimes harm nature and animals.
Dr. Jihosuo Biswas -: Dr. Jihosuo Biswas is a scientist who studies primates, which are animals like monkeys and apes. He works at the Primate Research Centre Northeast India.
Primate Research Centre Northeast India -: This is a place where scientists study primates, like monkeys and apes, to learn more about them and how to protect them.
Fragmented Forests -: Fragmented forests are forests that are broken into smaller pieces. This can make it hard for animals to find food and move around.
Road Accidents -: Road accidents happen when vehicles hit animals or people. For animals like golden langurs, crossing roads can be very dangerous.
Artificial Canopy Bridges -: Artificial canopy bridges are special bridges made for animals to cross roads safely. They are built high up in the trees where animals like monkeys can use them.
Local Communities -: Local communities are groups of people who live in a particular area. They can help protect nature by planting trees and taking care of the environment.
Natural Corridors -: Natural corridors are paths of trees and plants that connect different parts of a forest. They help animals move safely from one place to another.