7 Endangered Golden Langurs Released Back Into the Wild in Assam After Trafficking Rescue
Guwahati, June 25, 2026: In a major boost to wildlife conservation in Assam, seven endangered Golden Langurs have been released back into the wild at Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park after being rescued from an alleged wildlife trafficking network.
The langurs underwent rehabilitation, health assessments and behavioural monitoring under the supervision of wildlife experts and veterinary teams before they were declared fit for release.
Seven Golden Langurs Return to the Wild
The seven primates were among eight Golden Langurs rescued by the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police during an anti-trafficking operation in Chirang district on June 20.
Unfortunately, one of the rescued langurs died despite efforts by veterinary and wildlife specialists to save it.
The remaining seven animals recovered under professional care before being returned to their natural habitat.
Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah announced the successful release and said the animals had undergone rescue, rehabilitation and careful scientific monitoring.
He described the development as an important milestone for wildlife conservation in the state and credited forest officials, wildlife experts, enforcement agencies and local communities for their coordinated efforts.
Golden Langurs Rescued From Alleged Trafficking Network
The eight Golden Langurs were rescued during an STF operation in the Sidli area of Chirang district following intelligence inputs about illegal wildlife trafficking.
According to police officials, the animals had allegedly been captured in the Ultapani area of Kokrajhar district and were being transported through local intermediaries for illegal trade.
The operation resulted in the arrest of nine suspected traffickers, including a Bangladeshi national, according to reports. Authorities said the investigation was examining a wider interstate and transnational wildlife trafficking network.
The rescued Golden Langurs were subsequently handed over to the Forest Department for rehabilitation and further legal action.
Why Golden Langurs Are Important
The Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) is an endangered primate associated particularly with western Assam and neighbouring Bhutan.
The species faces threats including habitat fragmentation, loss of forest corridors and illegal wildlife trade.
A population estimate released in 2024 put India’s Golden Langur population at 7,396 animals, highlighting the importance of protecting the species and its remaining habitat.
Golden Langurs are also protected under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, giving them the highest level of legal protection under the country’s wildlife legislation.
Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park Provides Safe Habitat
The rescued langurs were released at Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, which spans parts of Chirang and Kokrajhar districts in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region.
The park covers more than 316 square kilometres and forms part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve. It provides important habitat for Golden Langurs and several other rare and threatened wildlife species.
The release is therefore significant not only for the individual animals but also for conservation efforts aimed at maintaining viable populations of Golden Langurs in their natural environment.
Experts Monitored the Langurs Before Release
Following their rescue, the surviving langurs were placed under the care of wildlife specialists and veterinary teams.
Their physical health and behaviour were closely monitored during rehabilitation. The animals were released only after experts determined that they were fit to return to the wild.
Such rehabilitation and monitoring are important because rescued wild animals must be assessed for their ability to survive independently and adapt to natural surroundings before being released.
Assam Sends Strong Message Against Wildlife Crime
The successful release also highlights Assam’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
The Forest Minister said the operation and subsequent rehabilitation demonstrated coordinated action involving the police, forest officials, wildlife experts, enforcement agencies and local communities.
The government has also emphasised that the release sends a message of zero tolerance towards poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking in the state.
A Positive Moment for Assam Wildlife Conservation
The return of seven Golden Langurs to the wild is being seen as a significant conservation achievement for Assam.
While the death of one rescued animal is a reminder of the risks associated with wildlife trafficking, the successful rehabilitation and release of the remaining seven provides a positive outcome.
Continued protection of forest habitats, stronger action against wildlife trafficking and long-term monitoring will remain important for the survival of the endangered species.
Key Highlights
- 7 Golden Langurs successfully released into the wild.
- The animals were rescued from an alleged wildlife trafficking network.
- 8 langurs were originally rescued; one later died.
- 9 suspected traffickers were arrested during the STF operation.
- The release took place at Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park.
- The surviving animals underwent rehabilitation and scientific monitoring.
- Golden Langurs are an endangered species and receive Schedule I protection in India.
- The national park spans more than 316 sq km across Chirang and Kokrajhar districts.
FAQs
How many Golden Langurs were released in Assam?
Seven rescued Golden Langurs were released into Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park after rehabilitation and scientific monitoring.
Where were the Golden Langurs released?
The langurs were released into Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region.
Why were the Golden Langurs rescued?
The animals were rescued during an Assam Police STF operation targeting an alleged wildlife trafficking network in Chirang district.
What happened to the eighth Golden Langur?
One of the eight rescued langurs died despite medical and rehabilitation efforts. The other seven were successfully rehabilitated and released.
Are Golden Langurs endangered?
Yes. The Golden Langur is classified as Endangered and is found primarily in western Assam and neighbouring Bhutan.
Where is Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park?
Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park is located across Chirang and Kokrajhar districts in Assam and forms part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve.
The return of these seven Golden Langurs to Assam’s forests is a reminder that protecting wildlife requires continued action—from rescuing animals from illegal trade to giving them a safe path back to the wild.