Dusky leaf monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus)

Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus)

The Dusky Leaf Monkey, also known as the Spectacled Langur, is a medium-sized primate native to Southeast Asia. Known for its striking white eye rings and mouth markings, it is an arboreal and herbivorous species that thrives in tropical forests.

Physical Description

• Size: 42–61 cm (16.5–24 inches), excluding the tail
• Tail Length: 50–85 cm (longer than its body)
• Weight: 5–9 kg (11–20 lbs)
• Coloration:
  • Adults: Dark gray to black fur, with distinctive white circles around the eyes and mouth.
  • Infants: Born bright orange, gradually darkening over several months.
• Face: Dark, hairless, with large, expressive eyes.
• Body Features: Slender build, long limbs, and a prehensile tail for balance.

Habitat & Distribution

• Native to:
  • Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and parts of Laos.
• Preferred Habitat:
  • Tropical rainforests, mangroves, and limestone hills.
  • Lives at various elevations, from lowland forests to mountains up to 1,500 meters.

Behavior & Diet

• Diet:
  • Primarily folivorous (leaf-eating), with a preference for young leaves.
  • Also eats fruits, flowers, seeds, and shoots.
  • Has a specialized stomach to digest tough plant material.
• Social Structure:
  • Lives in groups of 5–20 individuals, led by a dominant male.
  • Strong social bonds with frequent grooming and play.
• Daily Activity:
  • Diurnal (active during the day).
  • Spends most of its time in trees, rarely descending to the ground.
• Communication:
  • Uses facial expressions, vocal calls, and body language.
  • Alarm calls alert the group to predators like eagles, pythons, and leopards.

Breeding & Reproduction

• Mating Season: Year-round, peaking in January–March.
• Gestation: 140–150 days (~5 months).
• Offspring:
  • Typically 1 infant per birth (twins are rare).
  • Newborns are bright orange, camouflaging in foliage.
• Parental Care:
  • Mothers nurse for 8–12 months.
  • Other females in the group help care for infants.

Threats & Conservation

• Threats:
  • Deforestation, habitat loss, and hunting.
  • Illegal pet trade targets infants.
• Conservation Status:
  • Listed as “Near Threatened” (NT) on the IUCN Red List.
  • Protected in several national parks and wildlife reserves.

Interesting Facts

• Nicknamed “Spectacled Langur” due to its white eye patches resembling glasses.
• Babies are bright orange, possibly to encourage adult care.
• Has three-chambered stomachs similar to cows, allowing efficient digestion of leaves.

Summary

The Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus) is a tree-dwelling, social primate found in Southeast Asia’s forests. Recognizable by its white “spectacles” and dark fur, it primarily eats leaves, fruits, and flowers. Living in family groups, it relies on strong social bonds and vocal communication. Despite deforestation threats, conservation efforts aim to protect this charismatic and ecologically important species.

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