New Penang Canopy Bridge Helps Langurs Cross Safely Above Traffic

Langur Project Penang (LPP) has unveiled its third wildlife canopy bridge in Batu Ferringhi, a 15-metre structure named ‘The Obscura’ designed to reduce roadkill incidents and promote safer coexistence between humans and wildlife in urban areas.

The initiative, part of LPP’s ‘Bridge to Coexist’ programme, addresses mounting concerns over wildlife deaths caused by traffic, particularly involving primates such as dusky langurs and long-tailed macaques that have increasingly encroached into developed areas due to habitat fragmentation.

‘The bridge serves a dual purpose: providing a safe overhead passage for arboreal species and functioning as an educational platform to raise public awareness on coexisting with animals in shared spaces,’ said LPP founder Dr Jo Leen Yap.

The structure, built using recycled fire hoses as a nature-based solution at an estimated cost of RM32,000, is named after the dusky langur’s scientific name Trachypithecus obscurus. It aims to elevate this often-overlooked species as an integral part of Penang’s natural heritage.

According to Dr Yap, each bridge construction involves at least a year of research on wildlife behaviour and movement, conducted by the LPP team alongside volunteers. Studies along the Batu Ferringhi to Teluk Bahang stretch have documented between 12 and 13 groups of monkeys and langurs.

LPP’s previous canopy bridges have already shown measurable success. Ah Lai’s Crossing in Teluk Bahang, built in 2019, has recorded more than 8,500 wildlife crossings, while Numi’s Crossing in Tanjung Bungah, completed in 2024, has logged over 800 crossings to date. These crossings involve at least nine species, including the black giant squirrel, Asian palm civet and various snakes.

‘Canopy bridges are not a complete solution, but they serve as an important step in reducing risks and increasing public awareness on wildlife conservation,’ Dr Yap added.

The project was implemented in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), the Public Works Department and Tenaga Nasional Berhad to ensure all installations meet safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Source: BERNAMA