SILCHAR: A tragic incident occurred near Dorgakona, adjacent to Assam University in Silchar, where an endangered spectacled leaf monkey was fatally struck by a motorcycle. The accident unfolded when the monkey, part of a group that had been observed near the roadside, ventured onto the road and was subsequently hit by the motorcycle. Witnesses reported that the monkey succumbed to its injuries within a matter of minutes, highlighting the immediate impact of such encounters on vulnerable wildlife.
Professor Parthankar Choudhury from the ecology department at Assam University noted that the vicinity of the university is inhabited by various species of monkeys. While some species are frequently encountered, the spectacled leaf monkey, or Phayre’s leaf monkey, is recognized as rare and endangered. This particular species is found in limited areas of south Assam and Tripura, including the Sepahijola Wildlife Sanctuary, which serves as a critical habitat for their survival.
Professor Choudhury emphasized the significance of this incident, indicating that the loss of even a single individual from this threatened species is alarming. The spectacled leaf monkey faces numerous threats, including habitat destruction, human encroachment, and a declining population, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts. This unfortunate event serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife in urban environments and the critical importance of raising awareness and implementing protective measures to ensure the survival of endangered species. The death of the spectacled leaf monkey illustrates the delicate equilibrium between human activities and wildlife conservation in the region.
