Mammalia > Primates > Cercopithecidae > Semnopithecus
Semnopithecus johnii J. Fischer, 1829 – Nilgiri Langur
Taxonomic Notes:
There is dispute over taxonomy of Nilgiri Langur. Previously, this species was put under Trachypithecus based on morphological features. Recent molecular study suggests that Nilgiri Langur is more closely related to Grey Langurs (Semnopithecus Langurs) rather than leaf monkeys (Trachypithecus).
This species is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).
This species is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).Semnopithecus johnii – Nilgiri Langur
Juveniles:
Indian and global distribution:
records (based on images):
Identification:
Sexual, seasonal & individual variation:
Status, Habitat and Habits:
Nilgiri Langur is endemic to southern India. It is distributed in southern Western Ghats of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It prefers higher altitudes and it is a canopy dweller. It forages on fruits and leaves.
Conservation Status:
This species is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).
According to IUCN Red List assessment population of this species is decreasing at an alarming rate. There is no recent estimate of its population. As per a previous record, there were less than 20,000 individuals surviving in wild. Threat to its existence mainly come from habitat destruction. Anthropogenic activities such as logging, residential and commercial development, expansion of agriculture has resulted in heavy fragmentation. As Nilgiri Langur has a very restricted distribution, it is more prone to extinction due to such anthropogenic activities. Another major threat comes from poaching for flesh, fur and medicine.
Nilgiri Langur is endemic to southern India. It is distributed in southern Western Ghats of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It prefers higher altitudes and it is a canopy dweller. It forages on fruits and leaves.
Conservation Status:
This species is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).According to IUCN Red List assessment population of this species is decreasing at an alarming rate. There is no recent estimate of its population. As per a previous record, there were less than 20,000 individuals surviving in wild. Threat to its existence mainly come from habitat destruction. Anthropogenic activities such as logging, residential and commercial development, expansion of agriculture has resulted in heavy fragmentation. As Nilgiri Langur has a very restricted distribution, it is more prone to extinction due to such anthropogenic activities. Another major threat comes from poaching for flesh, fur and medicine.
References:
Mammalia > Primates > Cercopithecidae > Semnopithecus
Cite this page along with its URL as:
Bayani, A. 2023. Semnopithecus johnii J. Fischer, 1829 – Nilgiri Langur. A. Bayani, R. Chakravarty, P. Roy, and K. Kunte (editors). Mammals of India, v. 1.13. editors.
http://www.mammalsofindia.org/sp/302/Semnopithecus-johnii
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