12 endangered capped langurs were rescued by the forest department officials in Moheshkhali upazila of Cox’s Bazar.
The langurs were found caged at a house in the district.
"We received information from a sevret source that some individuals had captured endangered capped langurs from the Bariachhari hill forest and were holding them captive in a nearby house at the Shaplapur area of the upazila," SM Enamul Hoque, officer of the Moheshkhali Forest Range, told the media.
Based on information, we conducted a raid around 2:30pm and discovered 12 capped langurs in six cages, including five baby langurs and seven adults, he said.
"No one was present in the house during the raid. The langurs were rescued and later released into the forest as per the instructions from the divisional forest officer," said Enamul.
The officer further said according to the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act- 2012, the capped langur is a protected species. A gang of smugglers has been capturing langurs from the Moheshkhali forest and trafficking them.
"We are investigating and working to track down the smugglers and a case will be filed once the culprits are identified,” he added.
In this regard, SM Rubel, team leader of the environmental organisation Youth for Ecology Conservation, said endangered capped langurs are frequently captured from hilly regions and smuggled across the country.
"If the traffickers are not apprehended and held accountable, these rescue operations will have limited impact. The Forest Department should intensify its efforts in this regard," he added.
Source: The Business Standard
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
