Seven endangered golden langurs, rescued from an alleged interstate wildlife trafficking ring in Assam earlier this month, were released back into the wild on Wednesday after being rehabilitated, while one of the eight rescued primates died during treatment, Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malabaruah said.
After rehabilitation and scientific monitoring, the remaining langurs were released into Sikhna Juholau National Park in the Bodoland Regional District (BTR).
The Special Task Force of Assam Police busted an alleged inter-state wildlife smuggling network in Chirang district and rescued eight golden langurs on June 20.
Malabaruah said the rescued langur dogs have been rehabilitated and returned to their natural habitat after careful monitoring by wildlife experts.
“The return of these rescued wild animals to their natural habitat is the result of the dedicated and coordinated efforts of the Assam Police, Forest Department, wildlife experts, law enforcement agencies and local communities,” the minister said.
He added that the successful rehabilitation sends a strong message to poachers and wildlife traffickers that the Assam government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking.
The eight endangered monkeys were rescued from two intercepted vehicles at Pamungaon Road under Sidli Police Station in Chirang District during an STF operation launched based on specific intelligence inputs.
During the operation, members of the Special Task Force rescued caged langurs and arrested nine suspected wildlife traffickers. Six of those arrested are residents of West Bengal, while the remaining three are from Assam.
Officials said they were investigating a possible larger interstate wildlife smuggling network after the rescue.
Senior Superintendent of Police (STF), Pranab Kumar Biju, had earlier said that initial interrogation indicated that the golden langurs were transported through Ultapani area of Kokrajhar district and were transported outside Assam for illegal trade.
The rescued primates, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, were handed over to the forest department, where veterinary teams and wildlife specialists monitored their health and behavior before releasing seven of them.
Officials estimated the value of the rescued animals at approximately $16 lakh in the illegal wildlife market.
