Trachypithecus vetulus
| Purple-faced langur | |
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| Purple-faced langur, subspecies T. v. philbricki | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Primates |
| Suborder: | Haplorhini |
| Family: | Cercopithecidae |
| Genus: | Trachypithecus |
| Species: | T. vetulus |
| Binomial name | |
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Trachypithecus vetulus (Erxleben, 1777) |
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| Purple-faced langur range | |
The purple-faced langur (Trachypithecus vetulus), also known as the purple-faced leaf monkey, is a species of Old World monkey that is endemic to Sri Lanka. The animal is a long-tailed arboreal species, identified by a mostly brown appearance, dark face (with paler lower face) and a very shy nature. The species was once highly prevalent, found in suburban Colombo and the "wet zone" villages (areas with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, whilst rain occur during the monsoon seasons), but rapid urbanization has led to a significant decrease in the population level of the monkeys. Known as ශ්රී ලංකා කලු වදුරා in Sinhala.
There are four distinct subspecies, (or sometimes 5) of purple-faced langur:
All four subspecies exhibit different cranial and pelage characteristics, as well as body size. The western purple-faced langur is one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world. Most groups of langurs contain only one adult male.
Males are usually larger than females. Black to grayish brown coats, and whitish to gray short 'trousers' rounded off by purplish-black faces with white sideburns. Part of the back is covered with whitish fur, and tail is also furred with black and white mixed colors. Feet, and hands are also purplish-black in color. It is the largest primate in Sri Lanka, usually leading males of the group are larger than usual Tufted gray langur that lived together in the habitats. Bear monkey has more dark black coat and usually with heavy moustache. Hair of crown directed backwards throughout, not radiating. it lacks the crest of Grey Langur. Hair of crown not longer than on temples and nape. Rump is pure white or whitish gray.
According to the Mammals of Sri Lanka, the 4 subspecies are recognized as follows.
A possible subspecies called Trachypithecus vetulus harti is recognized, but not yet given validity. This subspecies is known from some skins found from Jaffna peninsula and north of the Vavuniya. Uniquely, this subspecies has yellowish golden hair on its scalp and a golden sheen to its fur. Otherthan these differences, anatomy and all the other aspects are similar to the Trachypithecus vetulus philbricki.
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Wikipedia