Photographing the Raffles' Banded Langur

The Raffles’ Banded Langur (Presbytis femoralis femoralis) is a vulnerable species according to the IUCN status. Until the 1920s, these monkeys were commonplace in Singapore—they could be found in Changi, Tampines, Bukit Timah, Pandan, and Tuas.

With the city’s rapid urban development, forests were cleared, and habitats were lost. In the 1990s, it was thought that the banded langurs were on the verge of extinction, with only 15 to 20 left in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Thanks to recovery efforts and field research since 2010, there is an estimate of 40 to 60 banded langurs left in Singapore.

Though the population has gradually increased, the banded langur population shows insufficient genetic variability, indicating a risk of inbreeding and unfavourable survival chances.

By documenting these beautiful creatures, I hope to spread awareness about securing the necessary resources and the commitment to conserving the Raffles’ Banded Langur population in Singapore. Through long-term research, we can gather more data and ensure that their habitats are protected and restored by connecting fragmented forests.

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References:

• Conservation of Singapore's own Raffles' banded langur | Wildlife Reserves Singapore

• Raffles' banded langur (Banded leaf monkey) | National Library Board Singapore

• Raffles' banded langurs at Windsor Nature Park | National University of Singapore

• Raffles' banded langur working group | Nature Society Singapore

• Saving Raffles' banded langurs | Nature Society Singapore

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About the author: Darius Tay is a photographer/visual storyteller who loves capturing meaningful moments and uses photography to tell stories and find beauty in everyday life. If you would like to leave a comment or engage him, feel free to email him at dariustay5@gmail.com.

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