Recently, news reports have highlighted an intriguing natural phenomenon in the industrial neighbourhood of Ankleshwar, Gujarat. A troop of gray langurs, scientifically known as Semnopithecus entellus, has drawn attention due to their unusually blue-hued fur. This has sparked curiosity and increased interest in these primates, prompting a deeper exploration of their characteristics, habitat, distribution, and threats posed to them.
About Gray Langurs
Also known as Hanuman Langur, named after the Hindu god Hanuman, these primates are distinctively recognised for their grey fur washed with buff or silvery shades. There are 16 recognized subspecies of this primate, extending from the heights of the Himalayas in the north to the southern regions of peninsular India.
Gray langurs are known for their black hands and feet, and long tails, which they use adeptly for balancing on tree limbs. However, the recently spotted blue-coloured troop stands as a remarkable exception to their typical colouring, indicating the variety within this species.
Habitat of Gray Langurs
Gray langurs exhibit high adaptability, evidenced by their presence in both forested ecosystems and locales close to human settlements. Their expansive habitat includes heights ranging between 2,200-4,000 metres above mean sea level, spanning subtropical, tropical moist temperate, alpine, coniferous and broadleaved forests, as well as scrublands. Their ability to survive across such varied terrain is testament to their resilience in the wild.
Distribution Pattern
The distribution of gray langurs is widespread, encompassing a wide array of habitats including dry savannahs and tropical rainforests. In the Indian subcontinent specifically, the existence of these primates is reported in northern India, Bhutan, and Nepal. This diverse geographical distribution speaks to the species’ adaptability and its crucial role in various ecosystems.
Threats Faced by Gray Langurs
Despite their resilient nature, gray langurs face significant threats stemming from human activities. Deforestation, mining, and pollution pose considerable challenges to their survival, disrupting their habitats and disturbing the ecological balance.
These threats are not only detrimental for the continued existence of these langurs but may also have wider repercussions on the biodiversity of their habitats.
Protection Status
In regards to their conservation status, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists gray langurs as “Least Concern”. Despite this, it’s necessary to emphasize that their survival is subjected to constant threats due to anthropogenic activities.
Furthermore, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has included them in Appendix I, signifying that the species is threatened with extinction and international trade in specimens of these species is highly controlled. Similarly, the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 places gray langurs under Schedule I, ensuring the highest degree of protection for them.
This collective recognition of the need for their protection indicates the importance of sustainable human practices to ensure their continued survival and the overall health of our ecosystems.
