Conservation threats to the endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei, Khajuria 1956) in Bhutan

Thinley, Phuntsho; Norbu, Tshewang; Rajaratnam, Rajanathan; Vernes, Karl; Dhendup, Phub; Tenzin, Jigme; Choki, Karma; Wangchuk, Singye; Wangchuk, Tshering; Wangdi, Sonam; Chhetri, Dambar Bahadur; Powrel, Reta Bahadur; Dorji, Kezang; Rinchen, Kado; Dorji, Namgay

doi:10.1007/s10329-019-00777-2

Cited by 12 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…After roads, electrical transmission lines and pipelines were identified as the T&S corridors posing the greatest threat to primates. Similar to roads, these corridors are strongly associated with deforestation in primate habitats as a consequence of their construction processes (e.g., Tielen, 2016; Costa‐Araújo et al., 2019; Thinley et al., 2020). Arboreal and semiterrestrial primates that would normally use tree branches to brachiate or cross between canopies are at a risk of death by electrocution from exposed transmission lines (e.g., Moore et al., 2010; Chetry et al., 2010; Rodriguez & Martinez, 2014).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying and mitigating the impacts on primates of transportation and service corridors

Galea

Humle

2021

Conservation Biology

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Most primate populations are declining; 60% of species face extinction. The expansion of transportation and service corridors (T&S) (i.e., roads and railways and utility and service lines) poses a significant yet underappreciated threat. With the development of T&S corridors predicted to increase across primates' ranges, it is necessary to understand the current extent of its impacts on primates, the available options to mitigate these effectively, and recognize research and knowledge gaps. By employing a systematic search approach to identify literature that described the relationship between primates and T&S corridors, we extracted information from 327 studies published between 1980 and 2020. Our results revealed that 218 species and subspecies across 62 genera are affected, significantly more than the 92 listed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The majority of studies took place in Asia (45%), followed by mainland Africa (31%), the Neotropics (22%), and Madagascar (2%). Brazil, Indonesia, Equatorial Guinea, Vietnam, and Madagascar contained the greatest number of affected primate species. Asia featured the highest number of species affected by roads, electrical transmission lines, and pipelines and the only studies addressing the impact of rail and aerial tramways on primates. The impact of seismic lines only emerged in the literature from Africa and the Neotropics. Impacts are diverse and multifaceted, for example, animal–vehicle collisions, electrocutions, habitat loss and fragmentation, impeded movement and genetic exchange, behavioral changes, exposure to pollution, and mortality associated with hunting. Although several mitigation measures were recommended, only 41% of studies focused on their implementation, whereas only 29% evaluated their effectiveness. Finally, there was a clear bias in the species and regions benefiting from research on this topic. We recommend that government and conservation bodies recognize T&S corridors as a serious and mounting threat to primates and that further research in this area is encouraged.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identifying and mitigating the impacts on primates of transportation and service corridors

Galea

Humle

2021

Conservation Biology

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“…Thinley et al. (2020) reported electrocution of golden langurs ( Trachypithecus geei ) in Tsirang district, Bhutan. Although the golden langur is not recorded in the JDNP, the gray langur ( Semnopithecus entellus ) is present in the national park.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Bhutan lost 3,460 acres of forest cover to the construction of three major hydropower projects, namely, Punatsangchu-I, Punatsangchu-II, and Mangdechhu, and forest cover lost as a result of hydropower projects and transmission lines ranked highest as compared to other infrastructure developments(Kuensel, 2019). Power transmission lines not only destroy wildlife habitat, but can also directly cause the mortality of individual animals, as has been recorded in langurs Thinley et al (2020). reported electrocution of golden langurs (Trachypithecus geei) in Tsirang district, Bhutan.…”

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confidence: 97%

Habitat requirements of the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and threat analysis in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Dendup

Humle

Bista

et al. 2020

Ecology and Evolution

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Understanding the influence of anthropogenic disturbances on species’ habitat use and distribution is critical to conservation managers in planning effective conservation strategies and mitigating the impact of development. Few studies have focused on the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Bhutan. This study aimed to assess the habitat requirements and threats to this endangered species in the Khamaed subdistrict of the Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan. We employed a transect walk and plot‐sampling survey design across two seasons, that is, winter and spring. In total, we surveyed 84 × 50 m radius circular plots along 51 km of existing trails within a 25.4 km2 study area. At 500 m intervals, we established plots at random distances and direction from the trail. We recorded direct sightings (n = 2) and indirect signs (n = 14), such as droppings and footprints as evidence of red panda presence within an altitudinal range of 2,414–3,618 m. We also noted 21 tree and 12 understory species within plots with red panda evidence; the dominant tree species was the Himalayan hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) and the Asian barberry (Berberis asiatica) as an understory species. Red panda presence showed a significant positive association with distance to water sources and fir forests. Plant disturbance and infrastructure, such as power transmission lines, were identified as prominent anthropogenic threats in the study area. Based on our findings, we recommend the development and implementation of local forest management plans, livestock intensification programs, and strict application of environmental impact assessment regulations to promote the conservation of the red panda in the region.

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“…Thus, this study was conducted to provide baseline information on the relative abundance and distribution of black-and-white colobus monkeys and the current habitats they occupy in northwest Ethiopia. In a region where limited information is available, population abundance and distribution surveys can be vital to identify suitable locations for further long-term studies, design conservation management plans, and provide data for IUCN assessments (Bernard et al 2016;Bersacola et al 2018;Mekonnen et al 2020;Thinley et al 2020). Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the relative abundance of black-and-white colobus monkeys in the Awi Zone, Ethiopia; (2) determine the distribution of black-and-white colobus monkeys; and (3) provide appropriate recommendations for the long-term protection of C. g. guereza and its habitats in the region.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relative abundance and distribution of black-and-white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza guereza) and recommendations for its conservation in the northwestern Ethiopia

Kifle

Bekele

2022

Preprint

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Primates in the tropics are highly vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation as they depend on the forest for survival. Thus, reliable population and distribution data are crucial to identifying priority sites for conservation and designing effective management plans in the deforested region. To date, the population size and distribution of black-and-white colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza guereza) are unknown along the Ethiopian Highlands. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relative abundance of black-and-white colobus monkeys and their current distribution pattern in the Awi Zone of the northwestern Ethiopia. We conducted population survey of black-and-white colobus monkeys using line transects between Oct 2020 and Sep 2021 in 27 forest patches of the region. We surveyed 27 forest patches and found black-and-white colobus monkeys in all patches. Overall, we recorded 328 group sightings of black-and-white colobus monkeys in these forest patches ranging between 1859 and 2557 m asl. We counted a total mean of 2897 individuals ranging from 5–16 individuals per group (mean = 8.8, SD = 2.5) within the sampling transects. Overall, the sighting encounter frequency of this monkey was 5.5 groups/km, while the relative mean population abundance was 48.2 individuals/km. Our study offers the first baseline information for future absolute abundance and population density estimates of black-and-white colobus monkeys and the forest patches they inhabit. Thus, this region should be considered as key habitat for future black-and-white colobus monkeys and other conservation initiatives. Establishment protected areas (national parks), improved law enforcement, population trend monitoring, and engagement with adjacent local communities are imperative to secure the long-term survival and conservation of black-and-white colobus monkeys and their habitats in the region. In addition, conservation measures like educational awareness programs, modern beekeeping, and alternative biofuel use should be initiated to stop further deforestation.

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Conservation threats to the endangered golden langur (Trachypithecus geei, Khajuria 1956) in Bhutan

Cited by 12 publications

References 24 publications

Identifying and mitigating the impacts on primates of transportation and service corridors

Identifying and mitigating the impacts on primates of transportation and service corridors

Habitat requirements of the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and threat analysis in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan

Relative abundance and distribution of black-and-white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza guereza) and recommendations for its conservation in the northwestern Ethiopia

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