Red-Shanked Douc Monkey

Red-Shanked Douc Monkey Latest News

Recently, customs officials at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) arrested a passenger who was smuggling two red-shanked douc monkeys.

About Red-Shanked Douc Monkey

• The Red-shanked douc (Pygathrix nemaeus) is an Old World monkey which is considered as a “Queen of primates”.
• Habitat: They occur in subtropical and tropical broadleaf evergreen or semi-deciduous forests and to a lesser extent in secondary evergreen and mixed bamboo forests.
• Distribution: Red-shanked doucs are found in Southeast Asia mainly in Vietnam, Southern Laos and Cambodia.

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Characteristics of Red-Shanked Douc Monkey

• Appearance: It is referred to as “the costumed ape,” the red-shanked douc langur is among the most colorful of primates. 
• These are arboreal, herbivores and diurnal monkeys that eat and sleep in the trees of the forest.
• Communication: They communicate with each other using various facial expressions.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically Endangered 
• Threats: Hunting is the main threat – for subsistence use and traditional medicine – they are also hunted for the international pet trade. 

Source: TH