5 days ago
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.
