The Dusky langur, also known as the Nepal gray langur, is a medium-sized monkey that is native to Nepal. The males are larger than females, with a head and body length of around 60-70 cm and a tail length of 80-100 cm. Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, with a head and body length of around 50-60 cm and a tail length of 70-90 cm. They have dark grey or black fur on their body, and their faces are hairless with distinctive white markings around their eyes.
These primates are arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They are social animals and live in groups of around 10-20 individuals, with dominant males leading the group. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, fruits, and flowers, and they have a complex digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from tough plant materials.
One interesting fact about the Dusky langur is that they have a unique vocalization system, with over a dozen different calls used for communication among group members. They also have a good sense of humor, as they have been observed playing with objects such as leaves and sticks.
The dusky langur is primarily found in Nepal's subtropical and tropical forests, ranging from the east to the west of the country. They are arboreal and are often found in tall trees and dense forests, where they spend most of their time. They are known to inhabit a variety of habitats, including primary and secondary forests, as well as human-modified landscapes such as plantations and orchards.
The feeding habits of dusky langurs depend on the availability of food in their habitat. They are primarily folivores and feed on leaves, but they also consume flowers, fruits, and insects. They have a complex stomach that allows them to digest cellulose and other complex carbohydrates present in leaves.
Dusky langurs breed throughout the year, with a gestation period of around six months. Females give birth to a single offspring, which is weaned at around 12 months of age. Dusky langurs are social animals and live in groups of up to 20 individuals. The groups usually consist of one or two adult males, several females, and their young.
The dusky langur belongs to the family Cercopithecidae, which is part of the order Primates. Its scientific name is Trachypithecus vetulus. There are two subspecies of the dusky langur: the Sri Lankan dusky langur (Trachypithecus vetulus philbricki) and the Indian dusky langur (Trachypithecus vetulus vetulus). In Nepal, the Indian dusky langur is found in the lowland forests of the Terai region.
The dusky langur is classified as a Near Threatened species by the IUCN Red List. The primary threats to their survival include habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation, as well as hunting and poaching for their meat and body parts. The Nepalese government has taken measures to protect the dusky langur, including establishing protected areas and enforcing laws against hunting and poaching. However, more efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of this species.
