Douc langur
TAXONOMY
Suborder: Haplorrhini Infraorder: Simiiformes Superfamily: Cercopithecoidea Family: Cercopithecidae Subfamily: Colobinae Genus: Pygathrix Species: P. cinerea, P. nemaeus, P. nigripes Other names: P. cinerea: P. cenereus, P. nemaeus cinerea, grey-shanked douc langur, gray-shanked douc langur; P. nemaeus: Rhinopithecus nemaeus, P. n. nemaeus, douc monkey, red-shanked douc langur, red-shanked douc; doek (Dutch); rhinopithèque douc (French); langur jaspeado, mono pigatrix (Spanish); kostymapa, svartbent kostymapa (Swedish); P. nigripes: P. moi, black-shanked douc langur, black-shanked douc, black-shanked douc monkey.MORPHOLOGY

Pygathrix
RANGE
CURRENT RANGE MAPS (IUCN REDLIST): Pygathrix cinerea | Pygathrix nemaeus | Pygathrix nigripes In general, douc langurs of all species are found in eastern Indochina, east of the Mekong River; found in Vietnam (P. cinerea, P. nemaeus, P. nigripes), Laos (P. nemaeus), and Cambodia (P. nigripes) (Timmins & Duckworth 1999; review in Nadler et al. 2003). Roughly, from the north to south, the species of Pygathrix are arranged parapatrically starting with the P. nemaeus, then P. cinerea, and with P. nigripes at the southern end of the generic distribution (Nadler et al. 2003). However, the exact boundaries between all species are unclear and also confounded by the presence of possible hybrid forms and often large gaps in confirmed populations (Nadler et al. 2003). P. nemaeus are the only douc langurs found in Laos, and are found as far north as the center of the country. They range through the central and southern reaches of the country east into Vietnam and south to the Cambodian border (Timmins & Duckworth 1999; Nadler et al. 2003). In Vietnam, the northern limit of P. nemaeus is confirmed as far north as the Pu Mat National Park and south to the Kon Ka Kinh Nature Reserve, but its limits are unclear (Timmins & Duckworth 1999; Nadler et al. 2003). P. nigripes occurs as far north as the Kon Ka Kinh Nature reserve and as far south as the Cat Tien National park. P. cinerea occurs in Vietnam between the distributions other two species, and is present or probably present in the Quang Nam, Gia Lai, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, and Kon Tum Provinces (Nadler et al. 2003; Long 2004). The only species that occurs in Cambodia is P. nigripes, with confirmed sightings in the Ratanakiri province and the Mondulkiri Province (reviewed in Nadler et al. 2003). Both P. nemaeus and P. nigripes occur sympatrically at the Kon Cha Rang Nature Reserve in the Gia Lai Province, Vietnam (Lippold 1998). Douc langurs can live sympatrically with a number of other non-human primates as well. For example, at the Cat Tien National Park in southeastern Vietnam, P. nigripes, is found with pygmy loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus), macaques (Macaca mulatta, M. fascicularis, M. arctoides), silvered langurs (Trachypithecus germaini), and yellow-cheeked crested gibbons (Nomascus gabriellae) (Polet et al. 2004). It is estimated that there are only 600-700 P. cinerea remaining (Mittermeier et al. 2007; but see also Ha 2004).HABITAT
Douc langurs are only found in forest habitats. These include old-growth and secondary broadleaf evergreen forest, montane rainforest, wet/dry forests, tropical and semi-tropical evergreen rainforest, submontane and montane evergreen forest, secondary moist forest, monsoon forests, valley forests, sclerophyll evergreen forest, semi-evergreen forest, seasonal lowland forests, and mixed semi-evergreen, mixed humid evergreen forest, and mixed deciduous forest (Lippold 1995; 1998; 1999; Timmins & Duckworth 1999; Lippold & Vu 2002; Ha 2007; Hoang et al. 2009). Douc langurs may also be able to survive in more heavily disturbed forest habitats as well (Ha Thang Long pers comm. cited in Nadler et al. 2003). There are reports of P. nigripes as well as P. nemaeus as high as 1500 meters (4921.3 feet) above sea level and as low as sea level (Eames & Robson 1993; Timmins & Duckworth 1999; Nadler et al. 2003; Ha 2007). Reports at very low altitudes are rare, however, this is nearly meaningless as much suitable habitat at lower altitudes has been cleared and douc langur rarity may be an artifact of extensive human land use and forest clearance (Timmins & Duckworth 1999). At Phuoc Binh, a douc langur study site in south Vietnam, the average rainfall is over 200 cm (78.7 in), with average highs at 38.8°C (101.8 °F) and lows at 14.2°C (57.6 °F) (Hoang et al. 2009). Across Vietnam (a habitat of all three Pygathrix species), average temperatures range from 27°C (80.6 °F) in south Vietnam grading to an average of 21°C (69.8 °F) in the north of the country. Mountainous areas typically receive more rainfall than in the rest of the country and there are three yearly monsoon seasons (Lippold 1998).ECOLOGY

Pygathrix
Content last modified: September 3, 2009
Written by Kurt Gron.
Cite this page as: Gron KJ. 2009 September 3. Primate Factsheets: Douc langur (Pygathrix) Taxonomy, Morphology, & Ecology . <http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/douc_langur/taxon>. Accessed 2020 July 30.
SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND BEHAVIOR
In general, the majority of douc langur groups are multi-male/multi-female, usually with more females than males (usually around 2 adult females for every adult male), although one-male groups have been observed in P. nemaeus (Lippold 1995; 1998; Nadler et al. 2003; Lippold & Vu 2008; Minh 2008). The group core consists of related females, as well as a lesser number of males and immature individuals including juveniles and infants (Lippold 1999). Group size is variable by location (from only several individuals up to 51), and is affected by the degree of habitat disturbance, with group sizes larger in lesser disturbed habitats which are larger in size (review in Lippold 1998). P. nigripes group sizes average 20 individuals, while P. nemaeus group sizes average 19 individuals (Lippold 1998). Groups are trending towards smaller size as habitats are disturbed further (Nadler et al. 2003). Fission and fusion of P. nigripes groups has been observed in the wild (Minh 2008).
Pygathrix
REPRODUCTION
The female reproductive cycle in P. nemaeus averages 26.4 days, with estrus lasting 1-3 days (Ruempler 1998; Heistermann et al. 2004). Multiple copulations occur during estrus (Ruempler 1998). The rump area changes from white to a red color during estrus (while pregnant, it remains this red color) and copulations continue through pregnancy (Hick 1972; Brockman & Lippold 1975; Lippold 1977; 1998; Ruempler 1998). Interestingly, the male rump also changes to a redder color, responding to females in estrus (Lippold 1998). During pregnancy in captivity, females become more peripheral from the group and spend much time nearby the adult male (Ruempler 1998). Reproduction and births occur year-round, but there appear to be birth peaks influenced by environmental factors, and within individual groups, several births may occur around the same time (Lippold 1977; 1999). To solicit mating, a female may face the male and move her head back and forth by pushing her chin forward or she may crouch, facing her anogenital region towards the potential mate, sometimes looking back over her shoulders (Kavanagh 1978; Ruempler 1998). However, either sex may solicit copulation (Lippold 1998). Copulations are dorsal–ventral, with the male mounting the female from behind and grasping the female with his forearms. In captivity, a male will mate with more than one female in the group (Kavanagh 1978). In captivity, P. nemaeus males reproduce for the first time between 5-8 years old while females reproduce first between 5-7 years old (Ruempler 1998). Gestation can only be estimated at between 180 and 200 days, due to multiple copulations between partners in a single estrus, although a single captive female in one study had a gestation of 210 days (P. nemaeus) (Brockman & Lippold 1975; Lippold 1981; Ruempler 1998). The average inter-birth interval is 24 months in captivity (Ruempler 1998).PARENTAL CARE
At birth, a P. nemaeus male weighed 324g (11.4 oz), while females average 463g (16.3 oz) (Ruempler 1998; Smith & Leigh 1998). P. nemaeus infants are hairy at birth (chestnut-colored with black hands and feet), but in contrast to adults their face is black, with only lighter stripes below their eyes. This coloration changes to adult coloration between 8-12 months old (Hick 1972; Ruempler 1998). The eyes are open at birth and infants are usually singletons (Hick 1972; Ruempler 1998). In captivity, P. nemaeus births occur mostly in the early evening and not during the day (Ruempler 1998). Infants are carried ventrally both by the mother and other members of captive douc langur groups (Kavanagh 1978; Ruempler 1998). Climbing starts by day 7 of life, and hanging by the feet at 14 days. In captivity, by 18 days old, infants start grasping solid food and are eating leaves and fruit by 60 days old (Brockman & Lippold 1975; Ruempler 1998). Weaning starts at around 12-15 months (Ruempler 1998). Allomothering is observed in wild P. nigripes (Rawson 2006).COMMUNICATION
In P. nemaeus, threats are communicated by flattened ears and a forward stretched neck (Ruempler 1998). Aggression is signaled by the “stare” in which the eyes are opened all the way, raised eyebrows, and sometimes thrusting forward of the jaw (Kavanagh 1978). Submission or non-hostility is indicated by the “grimace” in which the eyes and mouth are opened so the teeth are visible (Kavanagh 1978). P. nemaeus emit a “threat bark” when they are surprised, grunts when satisfied, excitement calls, and screams when frightened (Lippold 1977; Ruempler 1998). Twittering and squealing indicate submission, while growling indicates a threat (Kavanagh 1978).Content last modified: September 3, 2009
Written by Kurt Gron.
Cite this page as: Gron KJ. 2009 September 3. Primate Factsheets: Douc langur (Pygathrix) Behavior . <http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/douc_langur/behav>. Accessed 2020 July 30.
INTERNATIONAL STATUS
For individual primate species conservation status, please search the IUCN Red List. Also search the current scientific literature for primate conservation status (overall as well as for individual species), and visit CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
Pygathrix
CONSERVATION THREATS
Threat: Human-Induced Habitat Loss and Degradation
Habitat destruction is a main threat to douc langurs and cutting of trees for firewood is the predominant threat habitats (Lippold 1998; Lippold & Vu 1998). Forest exploitation for a number of uses (including firewood for charcoal, resins, palm leaves, cycad and rattan) degrades douc langur habitats and damages food trees (Lippold & Vu 2008). Resin is collected from favored food trees, weakening them, and making them susceptible to termites, weather and natural disasters (Lippold & Vu 2008). Logging occurs for coffee, rubber, fruit tree, and cashew agriculture, but also other types of plantation agriculture (Lippold & Vu 2002; Ha 2004; Nadler et al. 2007). In Laos, habitat loss due to swidden agriculture and commercial logging threatens populations as it fragments populations and affects the ecology of the species (Timmins & Duckworth 1999). In Vietnam, logging is sometimes prevented in National Parks, but in nearby areas it does occur, destroying potential corridors between populations (Ha 2007). In addition, logging continues both illegally (including by the Vietnamese army) and legally (Lippold & Vu 1998; Ha 2004). Agricultural forest clearance and logging also threaten populations of P. cinerea (Mittermeier et al. 2007). Development of habitats for tourism also threatens them in multifaceted ways. For example, at Son Tra, Vietnam, tourism development has cause new roadways to be built which has fragmented habitats. The road-building itself causes hunting, as road crews sometimes take douc langurs to eat (Lippold & Vu 2008).Threat: Harvesting (hunting/gathering)
Hunting and trapping can be the main threat to some douc langur populations, even in protected areas (Lippold 1998; Lippold & Vu 1998; Timmins & Duckworth 1999; Lippold & Vu 2008). Traps which have been placed for other species threaten douc langurs, as well as traps specifically designed to catch primates (Lippold & Vu 2008). P. cinerea are hunted even within protected areas and especially by the use of snares (Ha 2007; Mittermeier et al. 2007). Further, some traditional hunting of the grey-shanked langur does occur and sometimes, traditional hunters supply primates for consumption outside of forested areas (Lippold 1999; Ha 2007). Gathering of douc langurs for trade is also one of the predominant threats to the species (Timmins & Duckworth 1999). They are gathered and certain body parts are used as medicines (including to make “monkey balm”), and infants are also collected as pets or for food (Davidson et al. 1997 cited in Timmins & Duckworth 1999; Lippold 1998; Lippold & Vu 2002). Particularly, adults are often shot for food and their infants are sold alive as pets or into international trade (especially for export to China), which is a widespread problem (Lippold 1995; 1999). For example, douc langurs are exported from Laos to both Thailand and Vietnam (reviewed in Timmins & Duckworth 1999). Also, P. nemaeus have been illegally purchased by Chinese zoos (Nadler et al. 2007).Threat: Human Disturbance
P. nemaeus present in areas used as military installations have been shot as target practice (Lippold & Vu 2008). The Vietnam War was a significant factor in the destruction of douc langur habitats in the mid-twentieth century as well (Lippold 1977). In addition, habitats to which Agent Orange (a chemical defoliant) were applied during the war no longer contain douc langurs, even when regenerating (Lippold 1995). Overpopulation by humans is also a potential threat, as individuals are being resettled in areas that were formerly sparsely populated, and often douc langur habitats (Lippold & Vu 1998).LINKS TO MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION
CONSERVATION INFORMATION
- Threatened Primates of Vietnam (World Association of Zoos and Aqauriums)
- Links for all species
CONSERVATION NEWS
- Vietnam poachers arrested for killing rare monkeys (Earth Times; July 8, 2010)
- Eleanor Sterling Blogs from Vietnam for The New York Times (American Museum of Natural History News; June 10, 2010)
- Quang Binh: Largest group of Siki gibbon discovered (VietNamNet; March 24, 2009)
- Foreigner honored for his forestry and wildlife protection efforts (Voice of the Armed Forces and People, Vietnam; February 22, 2009)
- Unexpected Large Monkey Population Discovered (ScienceDaily; August 28, 2008)
- Large population of rare monkeys spotted in Kon Tum (Thanh Nien News; December 25, 2007)
- Rare black langurs found in Khanh Hoa (VietNamNet; September 23, 2007)
- Photo in the News: Rare Monkey Troop Spotted in Wild (National Geographic News; July 3, 2007)
- Vietnam central city to preserve endangered monkey (Thanh Nien Daily; May 23, 2007)
- First study of endangered monkey (UQ News Online, Australia; October 10, 2006)
- Primates swing into spotlight (Viet Nam News; May 4, 2006)
- Snub-nosed monkey is rarer than giant panda (China View; February 13, 2004)
- Links for all species
ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN Pygathrix CONSERVATION
Content last modified: September 3, 2009
Written by Kurt Gron.
Cite this page as: Gron KJ. 2009 September 3. Primate Factsheets: Douc langur (Pygathrix) Conservation . <http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/douc_langur/cons>. Accessed 2020 July 30.
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The natural history of the doucs and snub-nosed monkeys. Singapore: World Scientific. p191-206. Lippold LK. 1998. Primate conservation in Vietnam. In: Jablonski NG, editor. The natural history of the doucs and snub-nosed monkeys. Singapore: World Scientific. p293-300. Lippold LK, Brockman DK. 1974. San Diego’s douc langurs. Zoonooz 47(3):4-11. Lippold LK, Vu NT. 2008. The time is now: survival of the douc langurs of Son Tra, Vietnam. Prim Conserv 23:75-9. Minh DH. 2008. Social organization of the black-shanked douc (Pygathrix nigripes) in two national parks in southern Vietnam [abstract]. Primate Eye 96(special issue):#849. Mittermeier RA, Ratsimbazafy J, Rylands AB, Williamson L, Oates JF, Mbora D, Ganzhorn JU, Rodríguez-Luna E, Palacios E, Heymann EW, Kierulff MCM, Yongcheng L, Supriatna J, Roos C, Walker S, Aguiar JM. 2007. Primates in peril: the world’s 25 most endangered primates, 2006-2008. Prim Conserv 22:1-40. Nadler T. 2008. 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Energy and nutrient intake, feeding behaviour and activity budget of captive douc langurs (Pygathrix n. nemaeus). In: Fidgett A, Clauss A, Eulenberger K, Hatt JM, Hume J, Janssens G, Nijboer J, editors. Zoo Animal Nutrition, vol III. Fuerth(DE):Filander Verlag. p109-24. Smith RJ, Jungers WL. 1997. Body mass in comparative primatology. J Hum Evol 32(6):523-59. Smith RJ, Leigh SR. 1998. Sexual dimorphism in primate neonatal body mass. J Hum Evol 34(2):173-201. Stevens NJ, Wright KA, Covert HH, Nadler T. 2008. Tail postures of four quadrupedal leaf monkeys (Pygathrix nemaeus, P. cinerea, Trachypithecus delacouri and T. hatinhensis) at the endangered primate rescue center, Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam. Vietnam J Primatol 1(2):13-24. Timmins RJ, Duckworth JW. 1999. Status and conservation of douc langurs (Pygathrix nemaeus) in Laos. Int J Primatol 20(4):469-89. Weigl R. 2005. Longevity of mammals in captivity; from the living collections of the world. Stuttgart (DE): E. Schweizerbartsche. 214 p.Content last modified: September 3, 2009
IMAGES
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Pygathrix nemaeus Photo: Anna Halko-Angemi |
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Pygathrix nemaeus Photo: Anna Halko-Angemi |
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Pygathrix nemaeus Photo: Christina Oliphant |
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Pygathrix nemaeus Photo: Christina Oliphant |
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Pygathrix nemaeus Photo: Richard Frazier |
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Pygathrix nemaeus Photo: Sheri Jurkiewicz |
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