Endangered langur tribe relocated for attacking humans

The three Hatinh langurs (Trachypithecus hatinhensis) would be tranquilized and moved to the Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, 200 km to the north, the administration of Huong Hoa District in Quang Tri said on Monday.

They would stay at the reserve for a while before being released into the wild, it added.

Since July the langurs, whose habitat is in Huong Lap Commune, have been running out on roads to chase down and attack humans. Twelve people have suffered injuries so far.

The Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Rural Development tried clearing bushes and using nets to deter them from attacking humans, but to no avail.

Since their habitat has limestone mountains surrounded by roads and villages, keeping them there is not a viable option.

The department said: "Hatinh langurs are usually docile and afraid of humans. Attacking humans is a new behavior with no explainable causes yet."

The animals are classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with their populations being threatened by the wildlife trade.

Langurs’ body parts are used to make bone glue, which is believed to have medicinal qualities.