The
leaf monkeys comprise about 14 species including the
sacred monkey, or Hanuman langur of India. Members of this genus are
gregarious, diurnal, basically arboreal monkeys with long tails,
slender bodies, and long, slender limbs, hands, and feet. Depending on
species, the head and body are about 16 to 31 inches long. These
monkeys have long fur, and many species have characteristic caps or
crests of long hair.
The
Hanuman langur, typical of this genus, is almost black when newborn
and gray, tan, or brown when adult. Regarded as sacred in India, it
roams at will in villages and temples, raiding crops or the stores of
merchants. The Hanuman langur lives in bands of about 20 to 30. Males
have clearly marked dominance positions, but females have no fixed
status. Mothers are protective but allow other females to help care
for the young.
"langur." Encyclopędia
Britannica |