Purple-faced Langur Semnopithecus vetulus

Purple-faced Langur Semnopithecus vetulus

Endangered

Location: Sri Lanka

The Purple-faced Langur is diurnal, highly arboreal and territorial. During intergroup encounters these langurs make sonorous whoop calls accompanied by spectacular jump displays between branches (Rudran 1970, 2012; Pethiyagoda 2012). They are gregarious and active animals with social groups varying in size from 3 to 26 individuals and often include a single male, several adult females and their offspring. According to government data, Sri Lanka lost more than 50% of its forest cover between 1956 and 2003. Continuing loss of forested areas in the last 36 years at the same rate is still the most serious threat to the survival of the species and all four subspecies.

The purple-faced langurs of #SriLanka are a stunning lilac colour and make whooping calls and acrobatic displays. They face complex threats incl. #deforestation #Boycott4Wildlife #naturelovers #wildlifephotography #wildlife

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Numerous conservation efforts of these rarest of small primates are ongoing. Sponsor a langur at a rescue centre here.

Further Information

Endangered Primate Rescue Centre

IUCN: Saving Small Apes

Rudran, R., Dittus, W., Gamage, S.N. & Nekaris, K.A.I. . 2020. Semnopithecus vetulus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T22042A17959452. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T22042A17959452.en. Downloaded on 29 January 2021.

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