Dusky leaf monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus)

Also known as the Spectacled Langur, the Dusky Leaf Monkey is a medium-sized primate native to Southeast Asia. It is known for its gentle nature, expressive white eye-rings, and arboreal lifestyle.


Physical Characteristics

  • Size:
    • Body length: 42–61 cm (16.5–24 inches).
    • Tail length: 50–85 cm (20–33 inches) (longer than its body!).
  • Weight: 6–9 kg (13–20 lbs).
  • Appearance:
    • Dark grayish-brown to black fur.
    • Distinctive white eye patches and white mouth area, giving a “spectacled” look.
    • Long, prehensile tail for balance while moving through trees.
  • Infants:
    • Born with bright orange fur, which darkens after a few months.

Habitat & Distribution

  • Found in Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and southern Burma.
  • Lives in tropical rainforests, mangroves, and montane forests, often near water sources.
  • Prefers high canopies, avoiding ground-level predators.
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Diet & Feeding

  • Primarily folivorous (leaf-eating), but also consumes:
    • Flowers, fruits, and seeds.
    • Occasionally bark and shoots.
  • Has a specialized stomach to digest tough plant fibers.

Behavior & Social Structure

  • Highly arboreal – spends most of its life in the trees.
  • Diurnal (active during the day).
  • Lives in groups of 5–20 individuals, with a dominant male leading females and juveniles.
  • Gentle and shy, unlike some more aggressive monkey species.
  • Communication:
    • Uses facial expressions, vocal calls, and body movements.
    • Soft cooing sounds indicate bonding, while loud barks signal danger.

Reproduction & Lifecycle

  • Gestation period: 5–6 months.
  • One baby per birth (twins are rare).
  • Maternal care:
    • Babies cling to their mothers and are cared for by other females in the group.
  • Lifespan: 20–25 years in the wild, longer in captivity.
See also  Eurasian nuthatch (Sitta europaea)

Conservation Status & Threats

  • Status: Near Threatened (IUCN).
  • Main threats:
    • Deforestation (habitat loss due to logging, agriculture, and urbanization).
    • Hunting for food and traditional medicine.
    • Illegal pet trade.

Conservation Efforts

  • Protected under wildlife laws in Thailand and Malaysia.
  • Habitat protection and reforestation programs.
  • Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks providing safe environments.

Interesting Facts

  • Unlike many primates, Dusky Leaf Monkeys are quiet and reserved, rarely showing aggression.
  • Their infants are born bright orange, possibly to help mothers easily identify them.
  • They have strong legs and a long tail, making them excellent jumpers between trees.

Summary

The Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus) is a tree-dwelling primate found in Southeast Asian forests. Recognizable by its white-rimmed eyes and dark fur, it is a gentle, social species that primarily feeds on leaves. Unfortunately, deforestation and hunting threaten its survival, making conservation efforts critical to its future.

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