Saving Golden Langurs: Innovative Solutions to Roadkill Crisis

Increased road accidents causing deaths and injuries to the endangered Golden langur have led to the construction of wildlife passages and canopy bridges by the Primate Research Centre. These measures aim to offer safe crossing options for the arboreal species, which is primarily found in India's Assam and Bhutan.

Increased road accidents causing deaths and injuries to the endangered Golden langur have led the Primate Research Centre to innovate solutions by constructing wildlife passages and canopy bridges. These efforts aim to mitigate the rising mortality rates of these canopy-dwelling primates, primarily found in Assam, India, and Bhutan.

Golden langurs have experienced significant habitat loss in recent decades. Senior Primatologist Dr. Jihosuo Biswas emphasized that over half of their habitat has been lost due to deforestation and conversion of forests into farmland and human settlements. These issues are particularly severe in Assam's Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon districts.

A comprehensive study on traffic behavior along State Highway 14 revealed that 71% of Golden langurs cross roads at ground level, leading to frequent accidents. New initiatives, such as bamboo and mixed-material bridges, aim to offer safer crossings. Initial observations show success, with stabilizing measures facilitating their usage by the primates.

(With inputs from agencies.)