The Western Ghats of India is a biodiversity hotspot, known for its rich flora and fauna. Among its many natural treasures is a remarkable diversity of primate species. The Western Ghats are home to several endangered and endemic primate species, including the lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri langur, and the endangered Hoolock gibbon. The lion-tailed macaque is found only in the Western Ghats and is recognized for its distinctive black mane and long tail. The Nilgiri langur, on the other hand, is a gray, long-tailed monkey found in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. The Hoolock gibbon is also found in the Western Ghats and is recognized as one of the rarest and most endangered primate species in the world. The Western Ghats’ primate biodiversity is vital to the region’s ecosystem, and efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats from various threats, including deforestation and poaching.
Nilgiri Langur
| SL NO | Characteristics | Nilgiri Langur |
| 1 | Common Name | Nilgiri Langur |
| 2 | Scientific Name | Trachypithecus johnii |
| 3 | Length | 60-73 cm |
| 4 | Colour | Dark grey or black fur with white markings on the face and limbs |
| 5 | Height / girth | 80-100 cm (average height) |
| 6 | Tail length | 66-92 cm |
| 7 | Height till shoulder | Around 50 cm |
| 8 | Average weight | 9-15 kg |
| 9 | Food habits | Primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, flowers, and seeds |
| 10 | Habitat | Shola forests and adjacent grasslands of the Western Ghats in southern India |
| 11 | Interesting facts | The Nilgiri langur is known for its vocal communication, including a variety of calls and songs. They are also arboreal and excellent climbers, able to leap up to 20 feet between trees. They live in groups led by dominant males and are an important seed disperser for many plant species in their habitat. |
Features
The Nilgiri Langur, also known as the Nilgiri Leaf Monkey, is a species of Old World monkey native to the Western Ghats of South India.The Nilgiri Langur has dark brown to black fur, with a lighter brown or grey belly. They have a distinctive white moustache and beard. Males are larger than females, measuring up to 75 cm (29 in) in body length and weighing up to 9 kg (20 lbs). Females are smaller, measuring up to 68 cm (27 in) in body length and weighing up to 6 kg (13 lbs). The Nilgiri Langur has a slender build, with long limbs and a long tail that is often longer than its body. Its face is narrow, with a pointed snout and large, expressive eyes. The species is also known for its vocalisations, which include a variety of calls, from grunts and barks to loud, melodious songs. The Nilgiri Langur is a highly arboreal species, spending most of its time in trees. They are also known for their complex social behaviours, which include grooming, play, and communication through a variety of vocal and nonvocal signals.
Food Habits
The Nilgiri Langur is primarily folivorous, feeding on a wide range of leaves, fruits, and flowers. They have been observed feeding on the leaves of over 80 species of plants, including bamboo, figs, and jackfruit. They are also known to supplement their diet with insects, eggs, and small mammals on occasion. The species has a complex digestive system that allows them to extract nutrients from tough, fibrous plant material.
Habitats
The Nilgiri Langur is an arboreal species that inhabits the tropical and subtropical evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. They prefer areas with tall, dense trees that provide ample cover and food resources.
The species is found in a few isolated populations in South India, primarily in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. They are most common in the Nilgiri Hills and the Palni Hills, but can also be found in other forested regions of the Western Ghats.
Vulnerable Species
The Nilgiri Langur is listed as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is at risk of becoming threatened with extinction in the near future. Here is some information about their population numbers and the threats they face in India:
Population numbers: The population of the Nilgiri Langur is difficult to estimate due to their arboreal habits and the remoteness of their forested habitat. However, it is believed that the species has experienced a significant decline in population over the past few decades due to habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and other human activities.
It is estimated that there are now fewer than 10,000 individuals left in the wild. The Nilgiri Langur faces a number of threats in India, including habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and other human activities. The species is also hunted for its meat and for use in traditional medicines. In addition, the species is vulnerable to predation by domestic dogs and other introduced species, which can prey on young or weakened individuals.
Protected Areas
The Nilgiri Langur is a species of Old World monkey that is endemic to the Western Ghats of South India. Here are some of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India where you can see the species in its natural habitat.
Located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, Silent Valley National Park is a protected area of tropical evergreen forest that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the Nilgiri Langur. The park covers an area of 89.52 square kilometers and is known for its high levels of biodiversity.
Located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Mudumalai National Park is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park covers an area of 321 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and the Nilgiri Langur.
Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Bandipur National Park is a protected area of forest and grassland that is home to a diverse array of wildlife. The park covers an area of 874 square kilometers and is home to a population of Nilgiri Langurs, as well as tigers, leopards, and other species.
Located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area of tropical evergreen forest that is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Nilgiri Langur. The sanctuary covers an area of 285 square kilometers and is known for its scenic beauty and high levels of biodiversity.
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