The newborn golden langur with its mother at the zoo. Picture by Eastern Projections

May 8: The authorities of Assam State Zoo are studying the golden langur population at Umananda following the success of the captive breeding programme of these primates at the zoo.

“We are examining the golden langur population of Umananda through a detailed genetic study after which the possibility of breeding them will be looked into,” the divisional forest officer of Assam State Zoo, Narayan Mahanta, said.

The study is likely to throw up interesting revelations on whether there was a link between the golden langur population at Umananda and the zoo, he said.

It was a day of joy at the zoo as the authorities today disclosed that a langur was born to Ramunda and Chameli on Sunday. Both of them were rescued from Kokrajhar district in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

Proper care is being taken of the baby langur whose weight is estimated to be nearly 200 grams.

However, the sex of the newborn is yet to be determined. “It will be known once it comes out independently,” the official added.

“This is a very positive aspect, which shows that the captive breeding experiment is going on well,” he added.

Ramunda is eight years old, while Chameli is six. “Captive breeding is succeeding because of the dedication of the staff,” he said.

The zoo has been identified as a co-ordinating centre for conservation breeding programme of golden langur under the programme of central zoo authority.

The objective behind conservation breeding is to have proper captive stocks to continue their display at the zoo, breed the animals properly and reintroduce or release them in the wild, if needed.

“The golden langur is endemic to Lower Assam only. Therefore, it is important to undertake conservation of this species,” the official said.