Himalayan Gray Langur - UPSC Notes | Testbook.com

Introduction to the Himalayan Gray Langur

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The Himalayan Gray Langurs, scientifically known as Semnopithecus ajax, are also referred to as the Chamban Langurs or Chamba Sacred Langurs. These creatures belong to the colobine family, which means they predominantly feed on leaves. They are also commonly known as the Kashmir gray langur.

• The population of these langurs is primarily concentrated in the Chamba district of western Himachal Pradesh.
• These species inhabit areas at an elevation of 2200-4000 m above sea level. They are predominantly found in the subtropical, tropical moist, temperate, alpine, coniferous and broadleaf forests.
• The Himalayan Grey Langur tends to change its location with the changing seasons, adjusting to the availability of food and environmental conditions.
• They are listed as an endangered species as their estimated population is less than 1,500 mature individuals spread across 15-20 groups. They are protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Langurs play a crucial role in the food chains of many forest ecosystems. In India, most langurs belong to the genus Semnopithecus.
• One of the distinguishing features of this species is the dark grey forearms and dark grey thighs, a trait not observed in langurs from other Himalayan regions.
• The Gray Langur was initially considered a sub-species of the Semnopithecus entellus, commonly known as the Bengal Sacred Langur or Hanuman Langur, but was recognized as a separate species in 2005.
• The two protected areas where this species is found are the Machiara National Park and the Dachigam National Park. The former is in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and the latter is located 22 kilometres from Srinagar city in Jammu & Kashmir.

For a comprehensive list of national parks in India, click here.

Threats to the Himalayan Gray Langur

The Himalayan grey langur faces numerous threats, including:

• Fragmentation of their habitat,
• Deforestation,
• Retaliatory killing due to crop destruction, and
• Expansion of commercial horticulture.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of substantial evidence regarding the habitat of the Himalayan langur, the relationship between humans and langurs, and a comprehensive study of the threats faced by this species. In recent times, these creatures have come into conflict with humans due to crop raids. This is primarily due to the scarcity of natural food resources and the destruction of their natural habitat.

Conservation Efforts for the Himalayan Gray Langur

The initial steps towards conserving this species involve conducting a baseline survey of the langur population and studying their distribution across the region.

• The next step entails studying their conservation threats and the human-langur relationship.
• These steps will aid in designing a comprehensive model for conserving this species.
• The Himalayan langur project was initiated by Biological Anthropologist Dr. Himani Nautiyal in 2014 with the following objectives:
  • Impart knowledge to locals about the Chamba Sacred Langur and its habitat.
  • Develop positive attitudes towards the conservation of the species and nature.
  • Promote environmentally friendly behaviours among the locals.

Way Forward

• These species can be projected as ‘Umbrella’ or ‘Flagship’ species for their better conservation and protection.
• The conservation process must involve the local people to ensure their participation and input.
• Strict implementation of laws related to animal conservation would aid in better conservation activities.
• Conserving this species is crucial for the ecosystem as primates perform vital ecological services such as seed dispersal, seed predation, pollination and also serve as food for top predators.