OMAR ALI SHOHAG, Jhenaidah

For nearly 25 years, more than 200 black-faced langurs have lived along the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah. Divided into at least six groups, they roam villages including Bhabanagar, Swaruppur, Chapatala, Talsar, Shyamkur, and Kusumpur.

However, destruction of forests and expansion of farmland and net-fenced orchards have left them with dwindling food sources, forcing them into daily conflict with farmers and pet dogs.

These monkeys roam the area under the leadership of several dominant males. One of them, named “Bir Bahadur”, is the leader of a 35-member group in Kusumpur and has a fresh wound on his face.

He remains alert, scanning his surroundings in an aggressive posture, as if he has just returned from a fierce battle. Every day he fights to protect his group and secure food and territory. For nearly nine years, he has maintained leadership by defeating rival males from other groups. But with age and worsening food shortages, the struggle has become increasingly difficult.

Other langur leaders like Ranjay, Prahari, Aranyabir and Shaktiman occupy their territories in the same fashion. Territorial disputes are frequent. At times, the monkeys also come under attack from pet dogs in nearby villages.

Local veterinarian Mahiuddin said the adult monkeys in the area are noticeably smaller and lighter than expected. Unlike wild animals living freely in forests and feeding naturally, these monkeys appear malnourished, underdeveloped, thin and weak.

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