leaf monkey

Leaf monkeys, also known as langurs, are a type of Asian monkey belonging to the subfamily Colobinae. These primates are characterized by their long tails, slender bodies, and long limbs. Their diet primarily consists of leaves, fruits, and other vegetation, which they digest with the help of a large, complex stomach.12

Leaf monkeys are gregarious and diurnal, meaning they live in social groups and are active during the day. Depending on the species, their body length can range from 40 to 80 cm, with tails measuring 50 to 110 cm. Their weight varies, with smaller species weighing around 5.5 kg and larger ones up to 19 kg. The coloration of leaf monkeys differs among species, commonly appearing in shades of gray, red, brown, or black, with adults typically having black faces. Newborns often have a different coloration than adults, which may serve to elicit protective instincts from their mothers.1

While the term "leaf monkey" often refers to species within the genera Presbytis and Trachypithecus, the subfamily Colobinae also includes other langurs and the colobus monkeys of Africa. Some species of leaf monkeys are considered endangered.134