Keep a safe distance to let langurs thrive, says expert
GEORGE TOWN: Although they are now becoming a common sight on rooftops and in gardens, the majestic dusky langurs (Trachypithecus obscurus) are at risk of going extinct if nothing is done to protect their natural habitat.
Langur Project Penang (LPP) founder Dr Yap Jo Leen said the primates are now classified as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
She said although dusky langurs have been spotted in and around the forested and residential fringes of northern Penang Island, this does not indicate a growing population.
'With urbanisation, there are more sightings of dusky langurs and other wildlife in housing areas.
'But this only means they have ventured out of their natural habitats and may no longer be living in the forests.
'We need to raise awareness that they are an endangered species.
'It is important to conserve and protect them before our great-grandchildren lose the chance to see them,' she told The Star.
Also known as the spectacled langur, the primates can be found across Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand where they inhabit tropical forests.
Yap said the LPP has been working on conservation through science communication to protect dusky langurs and other wildlife.
She stressed that it is best not to feed or interact with the primates.
'To safeguard the dusky langurs is to keep a safe distance and respect them.
'If you see them along hiking trails, just use a pair of binoculars or your phone to zoom in and observe them. Avoid any direct contact.
'Unfortunately, some people tend to feed them, which is a big no-no.
'They are not domestic animals.
'The best thing to do is let them find their own food and return to the forest afterwards.
'Urban dusky langurs that live around residential areas rely on plants in neighbourhood gardens or green spaces,' she said.
Yap added that leftover food from feeding dusky langurs can draw in other animals, including crows and pigeons.
'It causes waste management issues, which then attract pests.
'This can lead to disease transmission – a negative cycle overall,' she said.
LPP, a primate conservation enterprise, is a community science-based outreach and conservation project in Malaysia.
The enterprise was behind the installations of two road canopy 'bridges' in Teluk Bahang (Ah Lai's crossing in 2019) and Tanjung Bungah (Numi's crossing in 2024), where treetop animals like the dusky langurs can safely cross busy roads.
Yap said the bridges were part of a conservation strategy aimed at reducing human-monkey interaction and preventing monkey roadkill.
'The main purpose is to help them move away from residential areas, as the roads are too risky for them to cross.
'The crossing in Teluk Bahang, for example, is used by many species, including monkeys, reptiles and even birds that perch on it.
'We are installing another bridge in Batu Ferringhi, hopefully by the end of this year or early next year.
'This upcoming bridge will also serve as a tool for ethical and sustainable tourism, environmental education and conservation storytelling,' she said.
In 2020, Yap was recognised as one of the 10 winners of the Star Golden Hearts Award, an annual award that celebrates the efforts of Malaysia's unsung heroes.
Climate change, hotter weather and temperature fluctuations are other concerns for dusky langurs.
'Based on our research, we have observed changes in their foraging behaviour.
'During hot spells, it becomes harder for them to find water. In urban areas, they have adapted by seeking water from rooftops - such as small pools or drainage points.
'This shows their resilience and ability to adapt to changing environments.
'Dusky langurs work hard every day to meet their dietary and hydration needs.
'Sometimes, they must move beyond their usual range to search for more food, which makes them vulnerable, especially in fragmented habitats like residential areas,' she said.
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The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Keep a safe distance to let langurs thrive, says expert
Vanishing wildlife: The dusky leaf monkey, also known as the spectacled langur or the spectacled leaf monkey, is a species of primate in the family Cercopithecidae. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Although they are now becoming a common sight on rooftops and in gardens, the majestic dusky langurs (Trachypithecus obscurus) are at risk of going extinct if nothing is done to protect their natural habitat. Langur Project Penang (LPP) founder Dr Yap Jo Leen said the primates are now classified as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. She said although dusky langurs have been spotted in and around the forested and residential fringes of northern Penang Island, this does not indicate a growing population. 'With urbanisation, there are more sightings of dusky langurs and other wildlife in housing areas. 'But this only means they have ventured out of their natural habitats and may no longer be living in the forests. 'We need to raise awareness that they are an endangered species. 'It is important to conserve and protect them before our great-grandchildren lose the chance to see them,' she told The Star. Also known as the spectacled langur, the primates can be found across Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand where they inhabit tropical forests. Yap said the LPP has been working on conservation through science communication to protect dusky langurs and other wildlife. She stressed that it is best not to feed or interact with the primates. 'To safeguard the dusky langurs is to keep a safe distance and respect them. 'If you see them along hiking trails, just use a pair of binoculars or your phone to zoom in and observe them. Avoid any direct contact. 'Unfortunately, some people tend to feed them, which is a big no-no. 'They are not domestic animals. 'The best thing to do is let them find their own food and return to the forest afterwards. 'Urban dusky langurs that live around residential areas rely on plants in neighbourhood gardens or green spaces,' she said. Yap added that leftover food from feeding dusky langurs can draw in other animals, including crows and pigeons. 'It causes waste management issues, which then attract pests. 'This can lead to disease transmission – a negative cycle overall,' she said. LPP, a primate conservation enterprise, is a community science-based outreach and conservation project in Malaysia. The enterprise was behind the installations of two road canopy 'bridges' in Teluk Bahang (Ah Lai's crossing in 2019) and Tanjung Bungah (Numi's crossing in 2024), where treetop animals like the dusky langurs can safely cross busy roads. Yap said the bridges were part of a conservation strategy aimed at reducing human-monkey interaction and preventing monkey roadkill. 'The main purpose is to help them move away from residential areas, as the roads are too risky for them to cross. 'The crossing in Teluk Bahang, for example, is used by many species, including monkeys, reptiles and even birds that perch on it. 'We are installing another bridge in Batu Ferringhi, hopefully by the end of this year or early next year. 'This upcoming bridge will also serve as a tool for ethical and sustainable tourism, environmental education and conservation storytelling,' she said. In 2020, Yap was recognised as one of the 10 winners of the Star Golden Hearts Award, an annual award that celebrates the efforts of Malaysia's unsung heroes. Climate change, hotter weather and temperature fluctuations are other concerns for dusky langurs. 'Based on our research, we have observed changes in their foraging behaviour. 'During hot spells, it becomes harder for them to find water. In urban areas, they have adapted by seeking water from rooftops - such as small pools or drainage points. 'This shows their resilience and ability to adapt to changing environments. 'Dusky langurs work hard every day to meet their dietary and hydration needs. 'Sometimes, they must move beyond their usual range to search for more food, which makes them vulnerable, especially in fragmented habitats like residential areas,' she said.
The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
Children with SCID are born defenceless against infections
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Researchers are discovering more and more IEI, with the most common one being antibody deficiency. Antibodies are proteins that protect you when unwanted substances such as bacteria, viruses and toxins enter your body. 'Some people may have mild IEI, but do not display any symptoms. 'Perhaps those with recurrent episodes of upper respiratory tract infection [URTI] could have it, but they don't know because they have never done a blood test to check if there is a problem with the function of antibodies,' says Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (HSAAS) consultant paediatrician and clinical immunologist and allergist Associate Professor Dr Intan Hakimah Ismail. An emergency situation Prof Intan says babies with SCID seldom live past a year old without a bone marrow transplant due to the frequent infections they get. — Photos: GLENN GUAN/The Star Out of all the IEI, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the most critical one. This condition impacts the T cells, as well as the B cells and natural killer cells – all immune cells that originate from the bone marrow and are crucial for fighting off infections. Infants with SCID appear healthy at birth, but are highly vulnerable to severe and potentially fatal infections. Usually, the prognosis is poor, as babies don't live past a year unless they get a bone marrow transplant. Says Assoc Prof Intan: 'We consider SCID as a paediatric emergency, so we have to go all out to get them a transplant as quickly as possible. 'With other IEI, there is time to discuss a transplant, but here, there is no time – they will die. 'The majority of SCID babies will have an infection within the first few weeks of life. 'This can include URTI, pneumonia, diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, fungal infection, oral thrush, pus at the BCG vaccination site, etc.' If the baby has had only one episode of infection, it may be hard for the paediatrician to make the right diagnosis. Only after repeated infections may the doctor suspect something amiss and order further blood tests to check. Possible to cure While breastfeeding is generally beneficial for infants, it can pose risks for babies with SCID due to the potential transmission of cytomegalovirus through breast milk. Treatment for SCID includes intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) replacement therapy, enzyme replacement therapy and gene therapy, but the latter two are not available in Malaysia. ALSO READ: New gene therapy shows promise against 'bubble boy' disease At HSAAS, once a SCID child is diagnosed or referred from other hospitals, they are started on IVIG immediately, along with antibiotics, antifungals and anti-tuberculosis drugs to prevent infection. 'If they have recurrent viral infections, we also start them on antiviral medications – all these are temporary solutions while waiting for a bone marrow transplant for a cure. 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'She didn't do well after the first transplant and lost her smile along the way. "She refused to say any words – that frightened me as I didn't know how I would handle losing her.' It was also a painful process for Manonmani, as she had to be in bed for five hours without moving while her stem cells were being extracted. Finally, Jaasritha was given the green light to fly home after five months. 'In total, we spent 14 months in hospital. 'She's still not out of the woods yet and needs IVIG every month at HSAAS until her antibodies stabilise. 'Since her transplant, she has not caught any infections except Covid-19, but she managed to fight it off, which is a good sign. 'I'm still traumatised and don't like to expose her too much, although I take her to the park when it's not crowded,' says Manonmani. More importantly, Jaasritha's smile has returned and she can now walk, climb stairs and baby talk again at 28 months. Assoc Prof Intan concludes: 'Jaasritha is a blessed child and a fighter indeed.'
The Star
15-07-2025
- The Star
Cutting-edge scientific progress
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