Rare Phayre’s Leaf Monkeys Spotted at Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, After Sepahijala, Such Sightings Are Rare Elsewhere in Tripura

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 15, 2026

A rare sighting of Phayre’s Leaf Monkeys, popularly known as Spectacle Monkeys, has been captured on camera at Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary in South Tripura, drawing attention to the state’s rich biodiversity and the importance of conserving its forest habitats. The photograph shows two individuals, a black-coloured male and a grey-coloured female, in their natural surroundings.

The sighting is significant because, apart from Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, this type of monkey is rarely seen elsewhere in Tripura. The latest camera capture from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary highlights the ecological importance of the state’s protected forest areas, which provide shelter to several species of wildlife.

Phayre’s Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) is a distinctive primate recognised by the pale markings around its eyes, which resemble a pair of spectacles. Its characteristic appearance has earned it the popular name Spectacle Monkey. The species is primarily arboreal, spending much of its time in trees, where it feeds mainly on leaves and other plant matter.

The species is classified as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Habitat destruction, forest degradation, fragmentation and other human-induced pressures are among the major challenges facing its survival. The conservation of forest corridors and undisturbed natural habitats is therefore essential to ensure the long-term survival of these primates.

Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, located in South Tripura district, is known for its forest ecosystems and diverse wildlife. The presence of Phayre’s Leaf Monkeys adds to the sanctuary’s ecological significance and underlines the need for continued protection of its natural habitats. Their presence also highlights the importance of documenting wildlife sightings to improve understanding of species distribution across the state.

Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers consider such sightings valuable, particularly when they involve threatened species that are not frequently observed in particular areas. However, a photograph alone cannot establish the population size or conservation status of the species within the sanctuary. Systematic wildlife surveys and monitoring would help determine the extent of its presence in Trishna and other forest areas of Tripura.

The rare sighting serves as a reminder that Tripura’s forests are home to a valuable range of wildlife, including threatened primates whose continued survival depends on habitat conservation and responsible human activity. Protecting these forest ecosystems remains crucial not only for Phayre’s Leaf Monkeys but also for the wider biodiversity of the state.

The camera capture by one TCS Officer Arup Dutta's daughter Ahili Dutta from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary has once again brought the spotlight on Tripura’s lesser-seen wildlife, reinforcing the need to conserve the state’s natural heritage for future generations.

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