The Spectacled Leaf Monkey, or Dusky Langur, inhabits a range of forest habitats including  coastal and riverine settings. The species feeds on succulent young leaves, leaf shoots and occasionally forest fruits, and is thus mainly arboreal in habits.  Sometimes adults will   descend to the ground at forest margins to feed on low shrubs.

This is an easily identifiable species, with thick white eye-rings and pale pinkish skin around the mouth, which is devoid of fur.  Depending on the amount of light, its body fur can appear greyish brown, dark grey or jet black. The fur on the crown, legs and tail is lighter, and young infants are pale yellow to orange.

Troupe size may be up to 20 individuals. They are active in early morning and late afternoon, but at midday can be spotted lounging in the cool of shady trees.

The species ranges from southern Burma and Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia. 

Fig 1 : A handsome, young adult rests in the shade of a tall tree at midday.

Fig 2 : Female with juvenile.

Fig 3 : A troupe of six appear drowsy while taking shelter from the midday sun.

Fig 4 : Pregnant female in typical resting posture.

All photographs from Langkawi, Peninsular Malaysia.

Order : PRIMATES
Family : Cercopithecidae
Species : Trachypithecus obscurus

Head-body length : 50-70 cm
Tail length : 70-80 cm
Weight : up to 7.5 kg


References : M1