Why is it in the news?

• According to the latest survey, the population of golden langurs (Trachypithecus geei) in India is estimated to be approximately 7,396 individuals, conducted by various organizations including the Primate Research Centre NE India, Assam Forest Department, and others.

More about the news

• The survey was carried out in two phases: The first phase, conducted in March-April 2020, focused on the western part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve, while the second phase, in the same months in 2021, targeted fragmented forest habitats in Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, and Dhubri districts of western Assam.
• The block count method was employed for the first time to assess the abundance, spatial distribution, and densities of golden langur populations.
• The survey identified two major sub-populations of golden langurs: the northern extended population and the southern fragmented population, with respective estimates of 5,566 and 1,830 langurs.
• Further, the Ripu Reserve Forest and Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary were identified as key habitats for golden langurs, with the highest population densities recorded.
• The survey also highlighted the unstable situation in fragmented habitats, emphasizing the need for corridor linkage among these habitats to mitigate potential threats from human activities.