Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei)

Overview

• Scientific Classification:
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Order: Primates
  • Family: Cercopithecidae
  • Genus: Trachypithecus
  • Species: T. geei
• Discovery: First described in 1953 by E.P. Gee, an Indian naturalist.
• Population:
  • India: ~7,396 (2021 survey, primarily in Assam).
  • Bhutan: ~4,000–5,000 (2022 estimate).
  • Global Total: ~11,000–12,000, restricted to a small geographic range.

Protection Status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered (due to habitat fragmentation and declining population).
• CITES: Appendix I (prohibits international commercial trade).
• India: Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (highest legal protection).
• Bhutan: Fully protected under national law.

Physical Characteristics

• Coat:
  • Seasonal color variation: Cream-gold in summer, darker golden-brown in winter (likely for thermoregulation).
  • Infants have pale-white fur.
• Size:
  • Body length: 50–75 cm.
  • Tail: 70–85 cm (longer than body, used for balance).
  • Weight: 9.5–12 kg (males slightly larger than females).
• Adaptations:
  • Multi-chambered stomach to digest fibrous leaves (colobine trait).
  • Cheek pouches to store food.

Behavior & Ecology

• Social Structure:
  • Lives in troops of 3–15 individuals (one dominant male, females, juveniles).
  • Occasionally forms larger groups (up to 50) in optimal habitats.
• Diet:
  • Primarily folivorous (leaves, fruits, seeds, flowers).
  • Prefers Ficus, Albizia, and Tectona species.
• Activity:
  • Diurnal and arboreal (spends 90% of time in trees).
  • Territorial; uses vocalizations (booming calls) to defend space.
• Reproduction:
  • Gestation: ~6 months; single offspring born biannually.
  • Females care for young; males leave troops at maturity.

Habitat & Distribution

• Range:
  • India: Brahmaputra River’s south bank (Assam), primarily in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary (core habitat) and Manas Biosphere Reserve.
  • Bhutan: Central and southeastern regions (e.g., Royal Manas National Park).
• Habitat Type:
  • Subtropical/temperate broadleaf forests (elevation: 30–3,000 m).
  • Dependent on contiguous canopy cover for movement.
• Geographic Limitation:
  • Isolated between Brahmaputra River (north), Manas River (east), and Sonkosh River (west).

Threats

• Habitat Loss:
  • Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and tea plantations.
  • Infrastructure (e.g., NH 27 expansion) fragments habitats.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Crop raiding leads to retaliatory killings.
• Genetic Isolation: Small, fragmented populations cause inbreeding depression.
• Illegal Trade: Poaching for pets/body parts (despite legal protections).
• Climate Change: Alters forest composition and food availability.

Conservation Efforts

• Protected Areas:
  • India: Chakrashila WLS, Manas NP.
  • Bhutan: Phibsoo WLS, Jomotshangkha Sanctuary.
• Community Initiatives:
  • Reforestation drives (e.g., planting native trees).
  • Awareness campaigns by NGOs (Aaranyak, Wildlife Trust of India).
• Transboundary Collaboration:
  • India-Bhutan joint monitoring and anti-poaching efforts.
  • Proposed wildlife corridors to connect fragmented populations.
• Research: Population genetics studies to guide conservation.

Cultural Significance

• Revered in Assam and Bhutanese folklore as a symbol of forest health.
• Featured in local festivals and Buddhist traditions.

Conclusion

The Golden Langur is a critically endangered primate with a highly restricted range. While conservation efforts have stabilized some populations, habitat connectivity and community engagement remain vital. Its survival hinges on transboundary cooperation and mitigating human-induced threats.