We didn't spot the elusive primates – but learned so much along the way
If you ever spot a Raffles' Banded Langur in Singapore, then count yourself lucky. Recognisable from their black coats and white crescent markings around the eyes, these monkeys now only number about 70 individuals across the island.
On a walk in Thomson Nature Park to spot these elusive monkeys, primatologist and Singapore National Geographic Explorer Andie Ang shares that the local population has increased in recent years. This is largely thanks to conservation efforts by researchers like her, government agencies, non-profit institutions, and even citizen scientists.
Raffles' Banded Langurs in Singapore continue to be threatened by habitat loss and a lack of genetic diversity. Their continued survival rests on our awareness, appreciation, and protection. For a start, we find out from Dr Ang all the cool tidbits about Raffles' Banded Langurs in Singapore's backyard.
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According to Andie, there are 13 groups of the Raffles' Banded Langurs all across Singapore – numbering about 70 individuals in total. Three groups reside in Thomson Nature Park, with each group comprising a male, females, and babies. This park is considered one of the strongholds in Singapore, alongside the forests at Lower Peirce.
Being upfront here – we didn't spot any langurs on our walk. Andie shares that they are a shy bunch, more so than the macaques we're used to seeing. Though the langurs are about a third bigger than macaques, the easiest way to spot them is to listen out for the crashing sound that they make when they move from tree to tree.
We see evidence of their presence though. Next time you're along the Ruins and Figs Trail at Thomson Nature Park, look down and keep your eyes peeled for the remains of saga seed pods. On our hike, Andie picked up the chewed-up, bright green pods – evidence that the langurs had been around earlier in the morning for some breakfast.
Interestingly, because Singapore cleared so much of its primary forest for commercial purposes, the langurs have had to adapt to non-native plants too. For example, they also feed on the leaves of rubber trees which were common on plantations in Singapore.
Another fun fact – the langurs and macaques are friends! Though they don't mate, Andie has spotted macaques grooming langurs before. She suspects that in return, the langurs offer protection, by alerting the macaques to other large predators in the vicinity. If these non-human primates can coexist peacefully, then there's no reason that we can't too, with some effort.
Remaining challenges include habitat loss and the lack of genetic diversity. On the first count, the Raffles' Banded Langurs in Singapore scored a major win when local community folks campaigned to retain Thomson Nature Park rather than lose it to development. Today, the likes of NParks, citizen scientists and researchers like Andie collaborate to enhance the environment for the primates – with things like rope bridges to help the animals make safe crossings to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
The population of langurs in Singapore is small, but growing. Despite that, genetic diversity is low, a fact that researchers know from testing stool samples. This could endanger the health of the species in the long term, so Andie shares that Singapore is working with partners in Malaysia to facilitate exchanges to boost the genetic health of the population here.
To learn more about Singapore National Geographic Andie Ang, her work, and her thoughts on coexisting with wildlife in urban Singapore, listen to the podcast Expedition: Earth here.
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