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Roar & Rove

Gray Langurs

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Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (NT)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Typically 20-25 years
  • In Captivity: Up to 30 years or more
Body size
  • Length: Adults range from 45-75 cm (18-30 inches), with a tail of similar length.
  • Weight: Males typically weigh between 5-9 kg (11-20 lbs); females weigh 3-6 kg (6.6-13.2 lbs).
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Endemic to Sri Lanka
  • Habitat: Lowland rainforests, montane forests, and occasionally urban areas
Diet
  • Primary Diet: Herbivorous, consuming leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, and occasional insects
  • Ecological Role: Important in seed dispersion and forest regeneration
Sri Lankan Gray Langur (Semnopithecus priam)

The Gray Langur, also known as the Hanuman Langur, is another captivating primate native to the diverse ecosystems of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its graceful appearance and intriguing social dynamics, the Gray Langur holds a significant place in the island’s rich wildlife tapestry.

Physical Characteristics: Gray Langurs are easily identifiable by their sleek, silver-gray fur and black face. Adult males are generally larger than females, with a body length ranging from 51-78 cm (20-31 inches) and a long tail that can measure up to 100 cm (39 inches). They weigh between 11-18 kg (24-40 lbs). Their elongated limbs and tail make them highly agile in navigating treetops and open landscapes.

Habitat: Gray Langurs inhabit a variety of environments, including tropical dry forests, scrublands, and human-modified landscapes. They are often found in close proximity to human settlements, where they forage for food and interact with local communities. This adaptability to different habitats, from dense forests to urban areas, showcases their resilience and versatility.

Diet: The diet of Gray Langurs is primarily herbivorous, consisting of:

  • Leaves and Shoots: A major component of their diet, rich in fiber.
  • Fruits and Flowers: Consumed when available, providing essential vitamins and nutrients.
  • Seeds and Bark: Supplementing their diet, especially in leaner times.
  • Agricultural Crops: Occasionally raided from farms, leading to human-langur conflicts.

Behavior: Gray Langurs are known for their complex social structures and behaviors. They live in multi-male, multi-female groups or one-male groups, with sizes ranging from small bands to large troops of over 100 individuals. Social bonds are maintained through grooming, vocalizations, and playful interactions. Their repertoire of calls includes alarm calls, contact calls, and threat displays, reflecting their sophisticated communication abilities.

Conservation Status: The Gray Langur is listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN Red List, but they still face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human-wildlife conflict. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the protection of their natural habitats and mitigate conflicts with human populations.

Lifespan: In the wild, Gray Langurs typically live around 15-20 years, although they can live longer in captivity with proper care, reaching up to 25-30 years.