Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii)

Species information

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Threats

In the past, the Nilgiri langur has suffered from habitat loss and degradation as a result of agricultural expansion, mining operations, and dam construction. Currently, habitat loss due to increasing human settlements and deliberate fires, as well as hunting, road kills, and local trade for food, pets and traditional medicine, are the major threats (1). Locally it is believed that certain parts of the Nilgiri langur’s body have medicinal value. The flesh and glands are used to treat asthma and the blood is drunk fresh as a rejuvenator. The replacement of native tree species with introduced, fast-growing fuel wood is also detrimental to the species (3).

Conservation

The Nilgiri langur is found in many wildlife sanctuaries in southwestern India, and international trade in this species is limited (1). The Wildlife Institute of India suggests that it should be obligatory for the government to restore degraded forests, including the cardamom plantations that have been abandoned following the expiration of the lease. Regular patrolling of forest is necessary to enforce protection of the Nilgiri langur (3).