The Hanuman Langur
Possibly the best known among the Asian leaf-eating monkey species is the Hanuman Langur (Semnopithecus entellus), found in a wide range of habitats in India, from edge of the deserts to rainforests and mountains (as high up as 4,000 meters). Because they are considered sacred in Northern India, they are found even near urban areas in in that part of the world.
With long and strong limbs, the Hanuman Langur runs fast on the ground on all fours, and climbs well and is exceedingly agile among trees, its long thin tail providing the necessary balance.
Their horizontal leaps average 3 to 5 meters, but can reach up to 13 meters. It is typically nervous and cautious when on the ground, and will flee to the trees at the slighest hint danger. They usually move on the ground only when trees are scarce. They forage during the morning and late afternoon. Each troop of langurs typically returns to the same tree every night to sleep. They sleep at the ends of branches, where large predators can reach them only with much difficulty. Sometimes, they sleep in caves.
In India, especially in the North, Hanuman langurs often travel in the company of holy men (sadhus). Many Hindus leave them unmolested and even permit them to freely plunder their grain shops. This, however, has made the langurs fearless. During food shortages, humans often retaliate. Like many other wildlife, the langur also faces a significant threat of habitat loss. There are an estimated 230,000 Hanuman langurs left in India.
The Hanuman Langur
Possibly the best known among the Asian leaf-eating monkey species is the Hanuman Langur (Semnopithecus entellus), found in a wide range of habitats in India, from edge of the deserts to rainforests and mountains (as high up as 4,000 meters). Because they are considered sacred in Northern India, they are found even near urban areas in in that part of the world.
With long and strong limbs, the Hanuman Langur runs fast on the ground on all fours, and climbs well and is exceedingly agile among trees, its long thin tail providing the necessary balance.
Their horizontal leaps average 3 to 5 meters, but can reach up to 13 meters. It is typically nervous and cautious when on the ground, and will flee to the trees at the slighest hint danger. They usually move on the ground only when trees are scarce. They forage during the morning and late afternoon. Each troop of langurs typically returns to the same tree every night to sleep. They sleep at the ends of branches, where large predators can reach them only with much difficulty. Sometimes, they sleep in caves.
In India, especially in the North, Hanuman langurs often travel in the company of holy men (sadhus). Many Hindus leave them unmolested and even permit them to freely plunder their grain shops. This, however, has made the langurs fearless. During food shortages, humans often retaliate. Like many other wildlife, the langur also faces a significant threat of habitat loss. There are an estimated 230,000 Hanuman langurs left in India.