Officials in South West Khasi Hills are keen to keep a rare capped langur that was spotted in the Mawlangwir-Mawkyrwat area recently safe from harm.
The endangered species is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
“We cannot say how the capped langur was spotted in the area but, according to locals here, they say the animal used to come to the area to feed on fruit,” an official in Mawkyrwat told Highland Post today.
Beat Officer IC Mawkyrwat said that as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the Capped Langur is an endangered species.
The animal in question has reportedly moved on but authorities are anxious that any capped langurs in the area are kept safe from harm.
The Wildlife Department has issued a strict warning to members of the public not to hurt or scare the langur and officials have also met with the Dorbar Shnong to emphasise the need to keep the animal safe.
“We must prevent and make people aware that they cannot hurt the wild animals and that it’s punishable by law. We always keep in touch with the Dorbar Shnong to spread awareness and also distribute pamphlets, etc,” the official said.
