Old World Monkeys: Cercopithecidae

Physical characteristics: The red-shanked douc langur is a colorful monkey. The back and upper arms are a grizzled gray, turning to a lighter gray on the undersides. Black hair covers the top of the head, and long, white whiskers frame the golden face. The eyelids are pale blue. The lower arms, wrists, and tail are white, and the hands and feet are black. The thighs are black, and the lower legs are maroon. Males weigh about 24.4 pounds (11 kilograms), and females weigh about 18.6 pounds (8.45 kilograms). Males measure 23.5 inches (58.5 centimeters), plus a tail length of 27 inches (68 centimeters). Females are 24 inches (60 centimeters) long, with a tail of the same length.

Red-shanked douc langurs form groups of four to fifteen individuals, and socialize by grooming, going through each other's fur to remove dirt and parasites. (© Art Wolfe, Inc./Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission.)

Geographic range: Red-shanked douc langurs are found in Vietnam and Laos.

Habitat: Douc langurs inhabit primary and secondary forests. They also live in evergreen forests, as well as in monsoon deciduous forests, characterized by heavy rainfall and dry periods during which leaves drop. They also occupy lowland and mountain forests.

Diet: Red-shanked douc langurs eat leaves, buds, flowers, fruits, and seeds.

Behavior and reproduction: Red-shanked douc langurs form groups of four to fifteen individuals, typically with more females than males. Both sexes have dominant individuals, but males are always dominant over females. The langurs are arboreal and diurnal, moving through the forest canopy on all fours and by leaping from branch to branch, landing on their hind legs. They socialize by grooming, going through each other's fur to remove dirt and parasites. They are vocal, using growls and squeaks to communicate.

Males have several mating partners. Every two years, females give birth to a single infant who receives plenty of attention and care from other females. Males sometimes tend to the young. Young males and females leave home when they are ready to start their own families.

Red-shanked douc langurs and people: Red-shanked douc langurs are hunted for meat.

Conservation status: The IUCN lists the red-shanked douc langur as Endangered due to habitat loss and degradation from human activities. ∎