Quck answer
Langurs are a type of primate found in Asia that are known for their playful and mischievous behavior. They are highly social animals and live in large groups, often engaging in grooming and other forms of communication. Langurs are herbivores and primarily eat leaves, fruits, and flowers. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, which range from grunts and barks to loud calls that can be heard from a distance. Despite their playful nature, langurs are also highly intelligent and adaptable, and have been observed using tools and exhibiting problem-solving skills.
Wild Animals
Wild gray langurs (Semnopithecus entellus) at the Khandagiri caves in India. NurPhoto/Getty Images
People often picture monkeys as cute, brown, fuzzy primates swinging on vines from tree to tree. However, there are over 250 different species of monkeys in the world, divided into two groups: Old World monkeys, native to Africa and Asia (like langurs), and New World monkeys, indigenous to the Americas.
These two groups differ not only in their homes, but also in their behavior. New World monkeys are almost exclusively tree-dwelling species, while Old World monkeys spend most of their time on the ground. New World monkeys also have prehensile tails, which they use to grasp or hold onto objects, a helpful feature when moving among trees. Meanwhile, Old World monkeys also have tails, but they lack the ability to grasp objects.
“Tails that truly grip are known as prehensile tails, and these are unique to New World monkeys,” explains Dean Gibson, curator of primates for San Diego Zoo Global, via email. “Though langurs’ slender tails are rather long, their tails aren’t prehensile. They do come in very handy for balance when moving around the canopy of their jungly habitat, though.”
A Hanuman langur (Semnopithecus entellus) family in the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India.
Arterra/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Langurs are Old World monkeys of the subfamily colobinae, found throughout Southeast Asia and Southern China, as well as parts of India. “This group contains more than 60 species, all of them distinguished by their leaf-rich diet,” says Gibson, a wildlife biologist with over 40 years of experience working with primates. Here are six fun facts about this unique monkey:
1. They Have a Complex Digestive System
Unlike New World monkeys, which mainly feed on fruit, langurs feed largely on leaves, bark, buds, seeds, and some fruit. Many even have special stomachs (sometimes with a potbellied appearance) that help them break down the cellulose found in plants. “Unusual for a primate, langur digestion is similar to a ruminant’s,” says Gibson. “They have multi-chambered stomachs that host bacteria that help digest the plant cellulose in their leafy diet. Bacteria in their foregut prime tough plant matter, so that more nutrients can be absorbed by the gut later in the digestive process.”
2. And Speaking of Digestion … They Sure Can Burp
You can tell if a langur’s stomach is working when you hear them burp. “They burp a lot,” says Gibson, “and it’s not a pleasant odor!”
3. Langurs Come in Different Colors
“Gray and black are more common, as are shades of orange and gold,” says Gibson. “Youngsters can be a very different hue from adults. Known as neonatal coat coloration, the color is thought to help the young be identified for protection by their troop.” Many langurs, she adds, also have pointed hair around their face and head.
The Francois’ langurs are pictured with their offspring in the Mayanghe National Nature Reserve in China. This species is highly endangered and is under top national-level protection in China. Langurs come in different shapes and sizes, from the long nose of the proboscis monkey to the back end of the pig-tailed langur. Each species of langur has its own characteristics, but Francois’ langurs are known for their white stripes on each side of their mouth, white-tipped tail, and pointy tuft of fur atop their head. Douc langurs are considered the most beautiful by the general public. Langurs are friendly and passive in general, but they can be territorial and aggressive when establishing social order. Several langur species are endangered due to human encroachment, hunting, habitat destruction, and illegal wildlife trafficking. Vietnam’s langurs are among the most endangered primates on Earth and are at the brink of extinction due to being used for traditional medicine or exotic jungle food. The IUCN Red List is a good resource to check the status of each species.
FAQ
1. What are langurs?
Langurs are a type of primate that belong to the Old World monkey family. They are found in parts of Asia, including India, China, and Sri Lanka. They are known for their long tails and distinctive faces.
2. What do langurs eat?
Langurs are primarily herbivores, meaning they eat mostly vegetation. Their diet consists of leaves, fruits, and flowers. They have complex stomachs that allow them to digest tough plant materials.
3. Are langurs social animals?
Yes, langurs are highly social animals. They live in groups called troops, which can consist of up to hundreds of individuals. Within these troops, there is a complex social hierarchy that determines the social standing of each langur.
4. What is the lifespan of a langur?
The lifespan of a langur can vary depending on the species, but on average they can live up to 20 years in the wild. In captivity, they can live even longer.
5. What are some of the threats to langurs?
Langurs face a number of threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation and human development. They are also hunted for their meat and fur in some areas. Climate change is also becoming a concern for langurs as it affects their food sources.
6. Do langurs have any predators?
Yes, langurs have a number of natural predators, including leopards, tigers, and pythons. They also have to contend with human hunters in some areas.
7. What are some interesting facts about langurs?
Langurs are known for their acrobatic abilities and can jump up to 20 feet in a single leap. They also have specialized grooming claws on their feet that they use to groom each other. Some species of langurs are also known for their bright blue faces.
8. Are langurs endangered?
Some species of langurs are considered endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. However, others are more common and are considered of least concern by conservation organizations.
9. Can langurs be kept as pets?
No, it is not legal or ethical to keep langurs as pets. They are wild animals that require specialized care and diets, and can pose a danger to humans.
10. How can people help protect langurs?
There are a number of ways people can help protect langurs, including supporting conservation organizations, reducing their carbon footprint, and avoiding products that contribute to deforestation. It is also important to avoid hunting langurs or buying products made from their fur or meat.
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