The Forest Department has rescued three endangered Phayre’s leaf monkeys that were being kept in a house in Chattogram for trafficking.

The animals were rescued last night (3 May) during a raid at a residential building in the Khulshi area of the city, confirmed Mohammad Lutfar Parvez, ranger of the Chattogram Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division.

Lutfar told The Business Standard that the department acted on a tip-off about wild animals being kept in a house in Khulshi for trafficking.

“Around 7pm, we conducted a raid there, but initially faced resistance. Later, with the help of police, we entered the house, searched it, and recovered three Phayre’s leaf monkeys,” he said.

Among the rescued animals, one adult leaf monkey was found confined in a cage, while the other two juveniles were kept in plastic baskets.

“They are currently under our custody and are being cared for. All three animals are in stable condition. Further steps will be taken based on instructions from senior officials,” Lutfar added.

He also said the house was linked to a wildlife trafficker named Joglu, who was not present during the raid.

Efforts are now underway to arrest Joglu, who is suspected of involvement in the trafficking of the leaf monkeys, the ranger said.

The Phayre’s leaf monkey is a critically endangered species found in the country and is locally known as the black monkey or “kala bandar”.

Under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2026, keeping such endangered wildlife in captivity is a punishable offence, carrying a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment or a fine of Tk3 lakh, or both.