Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Trachypithecus
Habitat
Capped langurs primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, including evergreen and deciduous types, in northeastern India, Bangladesh, and western Myanmar. They prefer areas with dense canopy cover for movement and feeding, often at elevations up to 2,000 meters. These regions provide ample trees for their arboreal lifestyle.
Diet
Capped langurs mainly eat leaves, fruits, flowers, and buds from trees and shrubs, with a preference for young, nutrient-rich foliage. They are folivorous and spend significant time foraging in the canopy, typically feeding in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Their feeding behavior includes selective browsing to meet dietary needs.
Behavior
Capped langurs live in social groups of 5 to 30 individuals, typically led by a dominant male, and exhibit strong territorial behaviors including vocalizations and displays. They are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees to avoid ground predators, and engage in grooming and play to maintain group bonds. These primates are generally shy and alert, quickly fleeing threats by leaping between branches.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the capped langur as Vulnerable, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting for the pet trade. Major threats include fragmentation of forest habitats and human encroachment.