POPULATION DISTRIBUTION, THREATS AND CONSERVATION STATUS OFSemnopithecus priam thersites AT MIHINTALE SANCTUARY, SRI LANKA

Abstract

The Dry zone grey langur (Semnopithecus priam thersites) is a subspecies endemic to Sri Lanka. In this research investigated the population distribution, threats and conservation status of the S. priam thersites in the contiguous forest of Mihintale Sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Population study done by direct counting and vocal sounds along the permanent line transects. Threats were identified by using a questionnaire survey. A total of 03 troops and least 60 individuals were recorded during the study period from December 2009 to May 2010. These three troops were sighted in Kaludiyapukuna forest (19 individuals), Rajagiri lena forest (21 individuals) and the boundery near kumarasirigama village (18 individuals). The remaining populations living almost completely in disturbed habitats due to human influences. The average group sizes were  16.8±2.65 and  19.14 ±3.76  in forested areas and forests neighboring human habitation respectively and the all three groups were recorded as multimale groups. The troop‟s distribution varied with the food availability and restricted to human habitation and disturbed forest patches.  The species is vulnerable to hunting and retaliatory killing in response to crop damage.