Fresh hope for rare Raffles’ banded langurs in Johor

Fresh hope is emerging for the survival of one of the world's rarest primates, the Raffles' banded langur, with the discovery of a significant, previously unknown population in Johor, Malaysia. Field explorations conducted in May by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and the Johor Forestry Department in the Lenggor-Mersing Central Forest Spine uncovered a group of between 40 and 50 langurs.

Associate Professor Muhammad Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar of UTHM believes this discovery, along with ongoing documentation of expanded distribution and new groups, indicates that the actual population in Johor could be between 600 and 700 individuals once comprehensive surveys are completed. This estimate offers a more optimistic outlook for the species, which was classified as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2022.

While the findings are encouraging, Muhammad Abdul Latiff cautioned that the Raffles' banded langur remains under severe threat. Habitat loss due to deforestation for agriculture and development, forest fragmentation, hunting, and increasing human-wildlife conflict continue to endanger the species. Many langur groups are now isolated in small forest patches separated by human infrastructure, increasing risks of inbreeding and reducing genetic diversity.

The langur's specialized diet, relying on specific forest plants, makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat changes. Unlike more adaptable species, it cannot easily survive in farmland or urban environments. Conservation efforts are further complicated by the species' uneven distribution, with heavily developed areas unable to support viable populations. However, districts like Kota Tinggi and Pontian remain crucial strongholds due to their intact forest cover.

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Based on the expanded distribution that we have documented and with new groups still being discovered, I believe the actual population could reach between 600 and 700 primates in Johor alone once comprehensive surveys are carried out.