It stands as one of the most visually striking and critically endangered primates. Native to the limestone karst forests of Vietnam, this species is easily recognizable by its distinct black and white coloration, which has inspired comparisons to it wearing knee-length white shorts. This unique patterning not only provides camouflage within the shadows of the forest canopy but also highlights the stark beauty of these animals. Their long, bushy tails further accentuate their silhouette, adding to their distinctive appearance.

A significant portion of Delacour’s Langur’s diet is folivorous, with about 78% consisting of a diverse range of foliage. This specialization on leaves necessitates a complex digestive system capable of breaking down fibrous plant material, a trait they share with other leaf-eating primates. Despite their preference for leaves, Delacour’s Langurs also incorporate seeds, fruits, and flowers into their diet, demonstrating dietary flexibility that allows them to adapt to the seasonal availability of food sources within their habitat.

One of the gravest threats facing Delacour’s Langur is hunting, driven largely by demand within traditional medicine markets. The rarity of these primates, combined with the perceived medicinal value of their body parts, has led to a significant decline in their populations. By 2010, estimates suggested that fewer than 250 individuals remained in the wild, a number that underscores the critical status of their conservation. Habitat destruction due to the expansion of agriculture and mining activities further exacerbates the pressures on their survival, contributing to the fragmentation of their already limited habitat.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Vietnam

<250

CR

2015