In the Nilgiris, hybrids in different shades of brown indicate intermingling of langur species

Visitors to Anamalai Tiger Reserve could be in for an unexpected treat if the most recent study by primatologists in the Western Ghats is any indicator. Not only will they get to see the recognised langur species such as the Nilgiri langur and the Hanuman langur, but they may also spot langurs with variations in colours and shapes.

The study points to the likelihood of hybrid individuals resembling a combination of Nilgiri langurs (Semnopithecus johnii) and tufted grey langurs (Semnopithecus priam, also called Hanuman langurs) in certain sections of the protected area. The authors believe that this phenomenon is the outcome of the intermingling of these two langur species observed in the region for a considerable period of time.

Hybridisation between closely related species is not an unusual occurrence in the wild though it is relatively rare among mammals, says primatologist Mewa Singh, a distinguished professor at the University of Mysore, who co-authored the study. He says that there are visible signs of hybrids in mixed species groups that the Nilgiri langurs and tufted grey langurs are forming.

However, the concern, according to him, arises from the absence of signs indicating the establishment of a new species, which should have...

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