India is home to a diverse array of primate species, with a total of 18 different types of primates found across the country. These primates vary greatly in size, behaviour, and habitat preference. The most well-known primate species in India is the rhesus macaque, which is found throughout the country and is known for its distinctive red face and aggressive behaviour. Other common primates in India include the gray langur, the bonnet macaque, and the hanuman langur. However, there are also several rare and endangered primate species in India, such as the lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, and the Hoolock gibbon. These primates are found only in certain regions of the country and face threats from habitat loss and human activity. Overall, India’s primate diversity is an important aspect of the country’s rich biological heritage and warrants conservation efforts to protect these unique and fascinating animals.
| SL NO | Characteristics | Information |
| 1 | Common Name | Hanuman Langur |
| 2 | Scientific Name | Semnopithecus entellus |
| 3 | Length | 44-73 cm (17-29 in) |
| 4 | Colour | Grey or brown with a black face and ears |
| 5 | Height / girth (For animals and birds – height, for fishes / reptiles – girth of the body) | 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) |
| 6 | Tail length (if it’s mammal) | 61-102 cm (24-40 in) |
| 7 | Height till shoulder (If it’s mammal) | 51-76 cm (20-30 in) |
| 8 | Average weight | 10-20 kg (22-44 lb) |
| 9 | Food habits | Herbivorous, feeding mainly on leaves, fruits, and flowers |
| 10 | Habitat | Forests and urban areas in the Indian subcontinent |
| 11 | Any interesting facts about them. | Hanuman Langurs are named after the Hindu monkey-god, Hanuman. They are highly social animals and often live in large groups of up to 200 individuals. They are also known for their complex vocalizations, which can convey a variety of information to other members of their group. Additionally, they are considered sacred in Hindu mythology and are protected by law in India. |
Features
Hanuman langurs, also known as grey langurs, are a species of Old World monkeys that are native to the Indian subcontinent.Hanuman langurs have gray or brownish-gray fur, with black faces and hands. Male Hanuman langurs are larger than females, typically weighing between 18-20 kg (40-44 lbs) and measuring up to 75 cm (30 in) in length, while females weigh around 12-14 kg (26-31 lbs) and measure up to 65 cm (26 in) in length. Hanuman langurs have a long tail and a distinctive, black crest of fur on the top of their heads. They also have a pronounced dewlap, or skin fold, under their chins. Hanuman langurs are highly social animals, living in large groups that can number up to several hundred individuals. They are known for their vocalisations, which include a variety of grunts, barks, and calls. Hanuman langurs are also known for their unique behaviour of “sunbathing,” where they sit in a particular posture with their arms raised to the sun, apparently to warm themselves up. Males Hanuman langurs have a dominance hierarchy within their groups, with the highest-ranking male having exclusive breeding rights with the females. Hanuman langurs are also important in Hindu mythology and are considered sacred in some parts of India.
Food Habits
Hanuman langurs are primarily herbivorous and feed on a variety of leaves, fruits, flowers, and seeds. They have a specialised digestive system that allows them to digest tough, fibrous plant materials.
Habitats
Hanuman langurs are found in a variety of habitats throughout the Indian subcontinent, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. They are primarily found in India, but also occur in small parts of Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
In India, Hanuman langurs are distributed widely across the country, but are particularly common in the central and northern regions. They can be found in many national parks and wildlife reserves, including Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, and Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Vulnerable Species
The population of Hanuman langurs in India is not accurately known, but they are generally considered to be a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to their wide distribution and adaptability to a range of habitats.
However, Hanuman langurs do face threats in some parts of their range, primarily due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as hunting and poaching for their meat and body parts, which are used in traditional medicine.
In some urban areas, Hanuman langurs are also at risk of injury or death due to conflicts with humans, such as electrocution from power lines or road accidents.
Conservation efforts to protect Hanuman langurs include the establishment of national parks and wildlife reserves, as well as initiatives to promote coexistence between humans and langurs in urban areas.
Protected Areas
Hanuman langurs are found in many national parks and wildlife reserves in India. Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is known for its dense tiger population, but it is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including Hanuman langurs. Also located in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of the largest national parks in India and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including Hanuman langurs.
Located in the state of Rajasthan, Sariska Tiger Reserve is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and is home to a variety of mammals, including Hanuman langurs. Located in the southern state of Karnataka, Nagarhole National Park is known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, including Hanuman langurs. Located in the state of Kerala, Periyar National Park is known for its elephants and tigers, but it is also home to a variety of primates, including Hanuman langurs.: Located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, Pench Tiger Reserve is known for its tiger population, but it is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including Hanuman langurs.
These national parks provide important habitat for Hanuman langurs and other wildlife, and also offer opportunities for visitors to observe and appreciate the natural beauty of India’s forests and wildlife.
