Golden langurs rescued from traffickers, released into the wild in Assam

Seven endangered golden langurs that had been rescued from an alleged wildlife trafficking network in Assam were released back into the wild after rehabilitation, the state forest minister said. The primates were set free in the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park in the Bodoland Territorial Region. The animals had earlier been rescued during a police operation, and one of the eight rescued langurs died during treatment.

The golden langur is a rare monkey with soft golden-cream fur, found only in a small area between western Assam and neighbouring Bhutan. It is listed as endangered and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which gives it the highest level of legal protection in India. Harming or trading such animals is a serious crime.

Acting on intelligence, a police Special Task Force intercepted two vehicles in Assam's Chirang district and rescued the caged langurs. Several people were arrested, and officials said the animals were being moved out of the state for illegal trade. The value of the rescued animals in the illegal market was estimated at around 16 lakh rupees. Officials said they were investigating whether a larger organised network was involved.

Wildlife trafficking, the illegal capture and sale of wild animals, is one of the biggest threats to endangered species. The state said the successful rescue and release sends a strong warning to poachers and traffickers under its zero-tolerance policy.

For exam aspirants, this story links to key topics: the golden langur and its limited habitat, the meaning of Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the problem of wildlife trafficking.