By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: In a significant boost to wildlife conservation efforts in Assam, seven endangered Golden Langurs have been released into the wild at Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park after completing an extensive rehabilitation programme following their rescue from an alleged wildlife trafficking racket.
The development was announced by Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, who said the primates were reintroduced into their natural habitat after undergoing health assessments, behavioural monitoring and rehabilitation under the supervision of wildlife experts.
The minister described the successful release as an important milestone in protecting one of the world’s rarest primate species. He noted that the initiative was made possible through the coordinated efforts of forest personnel, veterinary teams, law enforcement agencies and local communities.
The langurs were among eight animals rescued earlier this year during a major operation against wildlife trafficking in Chirang district. Acting on intelligence inputs, the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police, with assistance from local police, intercepted suspected traffickers along National Highway-27 in the Sidli area and recovered the animals.
The crackdown led to the arrest of nine individuals, including a Bangladeshi national, and exposed what investigators believe was an organised cross-border wildlife smuggling network. Authorities later confirmed that one of the rescued langurs succumbed despite receiving medical treatment.
Following the rescue, the surviving animals were housed in a controlled environment where specialists closely monitored their recovery and ability to adapt to natural conditions. Only after being declared fit for survival in the wild were they cleared for release.
The seven langurs have now been relocated to Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, a protected forest landscape spanning Chirang and Kokrajhar districts within the Bodoland Territorial Region. The park, which forms part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve, is regarded as one of the most suitable habitats for the species due to its rich biodiversity and forest cover.
Golden Langurs are listed under the highest protection category of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and are found primarily in parts of western Assam and neighbouring Bhutan. Conservationists view the successful reintroduction as a positive step towards safeguarding the species from threats posed by habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
Officials said the release also sends a strong warning to wildlife traffickers while highlighting Assam’s continued efforts to strengthen conservation and enforcement measures across the state.