Seven endangered golden langurs, pulled from the clutches of wildlife traffickers earlier this month, have been released into the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park in Assam. The operation, confirmed by Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah on Thursday (June 25, 2026), marks a significant milestone for primate conservation in the region.
The langurs were among eight individuals rescued on June 19 from Chirang district in western Assam. Assam police's Special Task Force apprehended nine traffickers, including one Bangladeshi national, during the raid. Despite veterinary efforts, one of the rescued langurs did not survive.
Following the rescue, the seven surviving primates underwent a carefully monitored rehabilitation process. Forest Minister Mallabaruah stated that their health and behaviour were assessed scientifically before release. He credited the successful outcome to coordinated action involving forest officials, wildlife experts, enforcement agencies, and local communities.
The golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) ranks among the world's most endangered primates. Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, the species inhabits one of the narrowest geographic ranges of any primate — a corridor spanning western Assam and the foothills of southern Bhutan. This 30,000 sq. km domain is bounded by the Brahmaputra River on three sides and Bhutan's mountains on the fourth.
Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, spanning 316 sq. km across Chirang and Kokrajhar districts, is Assam's newest national park. It forms part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve and provides critical habitat for golden langurs alongside Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve, Raimona National Park, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kakoijana Reserve Forest.
The release represents a concrete victory against wildlife trafficking in the Bodoland Territorial Region, demonstrating the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in protecting Assam's unique biodiversity.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: The Hindu National