Attitudes of the local community towards the conservation of the common langur (Semnopithecus entellus) in Keshabpur, Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper analyses human-langur interactions and people’s attitudes towards common langur (Semnopithecus entellus) conservation in six villages of Keshabpur Upazila, Jessore, Bangladesh. The data for this study are based on responses to a questionnaire administered over a period of 12-months from September 2009 to August 2010. Habitat alterations have increased the number of human-langur interactions in this area of Bangladesh. Langurs depend primarily on foods cultivated in home gardens and orchards, a fact that creates significant problems with the locals, some of whom are afraid of being attacked or bitten. Despite the anxiety regarding potential attacks and crop damage, many people enjoy seeing langurs as their ancestors used to do. Overall, 90% of people had a positive view of langur conservation and the establishment of a langur park in the area. Seventy-five percent were optimistic that the establishment of a park would provide economic benefits through job creation. A logistic regression analysis showed that factors such as the conservation status, religion, occupation, and landholding status of the respondents significantly influenced their attitudes towards conservation. Therefore, these aspects need to be clearly addressed to generate support for the conservation of common langurs by the local people, which may lead to the sustainable conservation of this species in Bangladesh. Key words: Bangladesh, common langur, attitudes, conservation.