Context: Recently, Primatologists have observed that the Gee’s golden Langur endemic to the semi­evergreen and mixed­ deciduous forests straddling India and Bhutan suffer forced abortion and infanticide because of inbreeding.

Key Facts about Golden Langurs

• Scientific Name: Trachypithecus geei
• Habitat: semi evergreen and mixed deciduous forests.
• Found in Small regions of western Assam and in the neighbouring foothills of the black mountains of Bhutan.
• Chakrashila is India’s first wildlife sanctuary with golden langur as the primary species.

Protection status

• Schedule I species in the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
• CITES Appendix I.
• Endangered in IUCN Red List.

Population

• In 2019, Bhutan recorded a drop of 62% in the population of golden langurs over the 2009 census. The recorded estimation in Assam in 2009 was 5,140.
• This year’s census could not be completed due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Concerns

• Their habitat in Assam has been encroached upon and fragmented drastically in the last 30 years owing to selective logging. This limits their food sources.
• Obstructions such as wires, and gaps in the forest due to felling, have increased the threat of inbreeding among golden langurs.