Seven endangered Golden Langurs have been successfully released into the wild at Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park in Assam following their rescue from an alleged wildlife trafficking network, rehabilitation, and scientific monitoring, Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah announced on Wednesday.
Sharing the development on social media platform X, the minister said the rescued primates underwent a carefully supervised rehabilitation process before being reintroduced into their natural habitat.
Responding to media queries regarding the condition of the rescued animals, Mallabaruah stated that the seven surviving Golden Langurs had completed rescue, rehabilitation, and scientific assessment procedures and were found fit for release.
Describing the development as a significant achievement in Assam’s wildlife conservation efforts, the minister credited the success to the coordinated work of forest officials, wildlife experts, law enforcement agencies, and local communities.
He said the release reflects the collective commitment of all stakeholders towards protecting endangered wildlife and sends a strong message against poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking in the state.
The released langurs were among eight endangered Golden Langurs rescued earlier this year during a major anti-trafficking operation conducted by the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police in Chirang district. One of the rescued animals, however, succumbed despite medical treatment and rehabilitation efforts.
The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs. STF personnel from Guwahati, assisted by Sidli Police, carried out a late-night raid along National Highway-27 in the Sidli area of Chirang district, leading to the busting of an alleged international wildlife trafficking network.
During the operation, authorities arrested nine suspected traffickers, including a Bangladeshi national, and rescued the eight Golden Langurs. The species is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is considered one of the world’s most endangered primates.
Following their rescue, the surviving langurs remained under the care of wildlife specialists and veterinary teams, who closely monitored their recovery, health, and behavioural adaptation before approving their release.
The animals have now been reintroduced into Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, a biodiversity-rich protected area spread across Chirang and Kokrajhar districts in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). Covering more than 316 square kilometres, the park forms part of the Manas Biosphere Reserve and serves as a vital habitat for several rare and endangered species, including the Golden Langur.