A striking and graceful monkey found in Southeast Asia, especially in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and parts of Thailand. At first glance, it looks unlike the “classic” gray or brown monkeys people often imagine. Its fur is a beautiful mix of silver-gray on the back and shoulders, with lighter, almost creamy tones on the belly and chest, giving it a silvery cloak-like appearance. Its long tail, which can be as long as its body, helps it balance as it leaps through the treetops, moving with agility and elegance. Compared to other langurs, Germain’s langur has a softer, paler look, setting it apart from its darker cousins such as the dusky langur. Its expressive face, framed by lighter fur, often gives it a curious and gentle expression that many people find endearing.

One of the biggest differences between Germain’s langur and many other primates is its dietary specialization. While plenty of monkeys eat a mix of fruits, insects, and leaves, Germain’s langur is a true leaf-eater. Its stomach is specially adapted, with multiple chambers filled with helpful bacteria that break down tough plant material. This means it can eat fibrous leaves, shoots, and unripe fruit that most other monkeys can’t digest. Because of this, it spends a lot of time chewing slowly and resting to let its stomach do the hard work. Unlike fruit-loving monkeys that dash about searching for sweet treats, Germain’s langur has a calmer lifestyle, staying in one area longer and relying on its leafy meals.

Unlike some primates that are known for noisy squabbles, Germain’s langurs are relatively quiet and peaceful. Their long tails and coordinated movements make them look almost like a troupe of dancers when they leap through the canopy together.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Cambodia

2015

Laos

2015

Myanmar

2015

Thailand

2015

Vietnam

2015