Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Presbytis
Habitat
This species inhabits tropical rainforests, secondary forests, and mangrove areas in Southeast Asia, particularly in peninsular Thailand, Malaysia, and Sumatra. They prefer dense canopy cover for movement and feeding, often at elevations up to 1,000 meters. Their habitat is typically warm and humid with abundant vegetation.
Diet
The White-thighed Surili primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers, with a preference for young, tender foliage. They forage during the day in the upper canopy, spending several hours daily eating to meet their energy needs. Feeding behavior includes selective browsing to avoid toxic plants.
Behavior
These monkeys live in social troops of 5 to 20 individuals, typically led by a dominant male, and communicate through vocalizations and facial expressions. They are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees to avoid ground predators, and exhibit territorial behavior by marking boundaries with calls. Males may engage in displays to defend the group, while females play a key role in rearing young.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the White-thighed Surili is Vulnerable, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting for the pet trade. Major threats include fragmentation of forests and human encroachment.