Golden langurs are one of the world’s most endangered primates. The long-term survival of populations depends on genetic exchange. However, much of the golden langur population occurs in fragmented forests. The small, isolated populations are extremely vulnerable. Golden langurs are found in India in

Explanation: Golden langurs cling to splintered forests and fringe villages in Assam 1. Endemic to northeast India and Bhutan, golden langurs are one of the world’s most endangered primates. In Assam, most of their population is outside protected areas. 2. The long-term survival of populations depends on genetic exchange. However, much of the golden langur population occurs in fragmented forests. The small, isolated populations are extremely vulnerable. 3. The crash in numbers and decline of habitat are linked to political unrest and ethnic conflicts in western Assam that began in the 1980s. Currently, roadkills, electrocution by low-slung live wires, occasional poaching, and attacks by dogs are also imperilling the monkeys. 4. Conservationists and primatologists have pinned hope on legal protection for the habitat of the golden langur and scaling up community-led conservation in Assam to bolster the langur’s populations, building on previous successes of catalysing community participation. 5. Northeast India, a biodiversity hotspot, is home to 12 of India’s 26 primate species and is witnessing fast-tracked infrastructure development. Golden langurs have undoubtedly drawn the attention of the public and lawmakers, yet they are still overshadowed by big charismatic species such as the tiger and elephant.