Yellow-handed Mitered Langur Presbytis melalophos
Endangered
Yellow-handed Mitred Langurs are adorable and vibrantly coloured small monkeys. Endangered in #Sumatra #Indonesia by #rainforest #destruction for #palmoil. 70% of their home has been lost in the past decade. #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket
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This primate species is endemic to Sumatra and is tolerant of habitat conversion to a degree (V. Nijman pers. comm.), and can be found in disturbed and secondary forest areas. The Yellow-handed Mitered Langur have also been found in primary and secondary hill rainforest, shrub forest and plantations. This species is primarily folivorous, but will also consume fruits, flowers, and seeds.
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
Trapping of the species for the illegal pet trade is a threat across their range, with some incidental hunting for food. Forest fragmentation is a long term consideration for population persistence (Manullang pers. Comm.). The habitat in which this species lives is experiencing conversion to agriculture and the species is targeted for illegal collection for the pet trade. 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.
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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