Yellow-handed Mitered Langur Presbytis melalophos

Yellow-handed Mitered Langur Presbytis melalophos

Endangered

The vividly colourful and cheeky yellow-handed mitered langur Presbytis melalophos are native to Sumatra, Indonesia. They are severely threatened by deforestation and logging due to the palm oil, mining and timber industries. Agricultural expansion for palm oil plantations has caused massive habitat loss and fragmentation throughout their range, while illegal hunting further endangers their population. Take action and use your wallet as a weapon. Boycott all palm oil products to help protect them to survive and advocate for palm oil free alternatives. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

There has been extensive loss of habitat, especially for oil palm plantations, and this is a serious threat. However, the species has some tolerance to forest conversion, but not to complete replacement of forests. Although forest loss has probably exceeded 70% over 30 years approximately, the population is suspected to have declined by over 50% in 3 generations (36 years) and continues to decline.

IUCN Red List

• Social Structure: These small monkeys live in small groups led by a dominant male, typically including females and their offspring, with social bonds that involve grooming and communication through vocalizations.
• Communication: They use a variety of vocal calls and facial expressions to convey messages, warn of predators, or maintain group cohesion.
• Diet: Primarily folivorous, they feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers, often selecting new shoots and young leaves high in nutritional value.
• Locomotion: Agile and swift in trees, they leap and brachiate among branches, exhibiting impressive acrobatic skills.
• Distinctive Appearance: Their bright yellow hands contrast with their grayish fur, making them easily distinguishable from other langurs.

Threats

• Deforestation: Large-scale logging and conversion of forests to palm oil and timber agriculture has massively reduced their range.
• Agricultural Expansion: Plantations, particularly for palm oil have replaced native forests, leading to habitat fragmentation.
• Hunting: They are hunted for bushmeat or to be kept as pets.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: As human activities encroach on their habitat, conflicts can arise, leading to their injury or death.
• Infrastructure Development: Roads and infrastructure projects fragment habitats, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.

Further Information

Nijman, V., Setiawan, A., Traeholt, C. & Manullang, B. 2020. Presbytis melalophos. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T39811A17954271. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T39811A17954271.en. Downloaded on 24 January 2021.

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